Superintendent Sentinel

A few weeks ago we rang in the year 2026! Time sure does fly! It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming students into our schools to start a new year. Now, we’re already making plans for the 2026-2027 school year. A new year brings with it excitement of what the future holds. Take the time to create a vision of what you would like 2026 to be.

Dr. Jonathan Hart

Follow me on X @hartjonathanr

In Photos: Dr. Hart and Whitehouse School Governor's Educators of the Year

Please join Dr. Jonathan Hart, Superintendent, and Mr. Jason Bohm, Business Administrator, on Thursday, January 22, at 9:00 a.m. in the BOE Conference Room. The topic of conversation will be the 2026-2027 Budget Preparation Process. Refreshments will be served compliments of the Readington HSA. Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 20, to: rsvp@readington.k12.nj.us

Strategic planning is a process where organizations define long-term vision, set goals, and create action steps to achieve those goals. The Readington Township School District will embark on strategic planning this winter and into the spring and we need YOU! Community engagement is a priority for our district when it comes to setting a vision for the future. The Board of Education will be identifying a strategic planning consultant in the near future. Regardless of who our consultant will be, our community will have the ability to participate in any number of activities such as surveys, focus groups, or strategy sessions.

Please look for future communication from Dr. Hart and the administration regarding upcoming opportunities to participate in this important work.

The Board of Education is tasked with managing the budget of the district with the guidance of our Superintendent, Dr. Jonathan Hart, the Business Administrator, Jason Bohm, and involves all staff in some way, shape or form. As with every year, the first few months of the new year is when budgeting, planning and preparing occur.

The creation and implementation of a strong, responsible budget allows the district to maintain the many programs our students have become accustomed to. The district is also able to maintain the buildings and grounds in the manner in which our constituents have come to expect.

The 2025-2026 budget, which is currently being utilized, has helped the district to meet goals that are set annually by the Board of Education and administration. With this year’s budget, the district continued to provide police officers in each of our 4 buildings through a shared services relationship with the Township of Readington. Additionally, the district increased wages and extra pay stipends to market rates to assist with recruitment and retention, which also assisted with academics through professional development, curriculum writing, before and after school activities, & continuation of revamped middle school schedule that provides more time for math and literacy. Curriculum materials and resources were provided for under the budget for language arts, math, science, health and hand writing. Further, the district hired staff and enhanced programming to meet the needs of our special education population. The district expanded breakfast and lunch offerings to be available all days of the school year including half days to ensure the wellbeing of families in town. Lastly, with the support and partnership of stakeholders in town, a referendum to replace aging infrastructure passed that had no impact on the tax levy due to expiring debt. Projects and construction can be tracked on the referendum website.

While the Board of Education develops its 2026-2027 budget, you are welcomed to come and provide thoughts and input at the following open public sessions at board meetings:

January 20 at 7:00 P.M. - High-level overview of pressures on the upcoming budget

February 10 at 6:00 P.M. - Department & administrative budget presentations

March 10 at 7:00 P.M. - Presentation on the whole budget to the public with tentative approval

April 14 at 7:00 P.M. - Budget clarification

April 28 at 7:00 P.M. - Budget hearing and final adoption of budget

During the planning of the 2026-2027 school year budget, the district faces several challenges. These include double-digit health benefit increases (the district’s second largest expense), staff and program modifications due to an increased enrollment from new housing developments, increases in staff salaries to meet union contract obligations, utilities and inflation. Despite these challenges, the district remains committed to providing our students with a comprehensive and rigorous program of studies, along with a full complement of athletic and extra-curricular offerings. Public input helps the Board of Education create a fiscally responsible budget while keeping the community apprised of the district's needs. All input and concerns can be shared during the February 10 meeting or the other dates listed above. Please consider attending; Recordings of all meetings are also available on the district’s website.

As our society continues to transition in the digital age, the State of New Jersey has modernized the laws governing how school districts and government agencies share public information.

For decades, state law required school districts to publish board meeting schedules and legal notices in physical newspapers, such as the Star-Ledger. However, following the passage of legislation S-4654A/A-5878, these requirements have changed to reflect modern communication habits.

What is changing? Starting March 1, 2026, school districts are permitted to post legal advertisements and board meeting schedules solely on their official district websites. Physical newspaper advertisements will no longer be required. Additionally, by March 2026, the New Jersey Secretary of State’s webpage will provide a centralized list of links for all school district advertisements statewide.

How to stay informed: To remain updated on district governance, upcoming meetings, and important community news, we encourage all residents to utilize our digital platforms:

· Official District Website: Bookmark our board meeting homepage for the latest legal notices and board meeting dates.

· Live and Recorded Board Meetings: Remember the district provides live coverage of its board meetings which the community can post real-time questions or comments, and posts recordings of past meetings to access at any time.

· Digital Newsletters: Follow our official district and school newsletters along with community news to receive updates directly.

· Social Media: Subscribe to our official accounts for real-time announcements and community highlights. The district and each school have their own accounts as linked on their homepages.

The district remains committed to transparency and look forward to connecting with you through these digital channels.

Navigating AI

Artificial intelligence tools are rapidly making their way into elementary and middle school classrooms, from writing assistants to math tutors. As a parent, understanding both the benefits and risks can help you support your child's education while keeping them safe.

The Benefits

AI can offer personalized learning experiences that adapt to your child's pace and style. By quickly providing:

• Extra practice problems

• Advanced questions

• Text to Speech Features

• Language Translation Tools

• Assistance in organizing their thoughts and developing ideas, and brainstorming

• Study Guides from class notes

The Concerns

Privacy remains a primary concern. Key issues include privacy, the risk of overreliance on technology, and the accuracy of information. Adult supervision is strongly recommended.

What Parents Can Do

Start by asking your child about their usage.

• Which tools are being used?

• What are you using AI to accomplish?

• What kind of information do you share with AI tools?

• Which AI tools are you using, and what do you use them for?

• Are your friends using AI too? What are they using it for?

• What do you find most helpful about using AI?

• Do you ever feel like you're relying on AI too much for certain things?

• How do you decide when it's okay to use AI for schoolwork versus when you should do it on your own?

• Do you know who can see what you type into these tools?

• How do you check if what an AI tells you is accurate?

At home, talk with your child about AI as a tool, not a replacement for thinking. Emphasize that AI should help them learn, not do their learning for them. You might compare it to a calculator: useful for checking work or handling complex computations, but you still need to understand the underlying math.

Readington Township Schools have established an AI Committee composed of teachers, students, administrators, and parents to explore best practices for AI use and incorporate digital citizenship in the application of this new tool. Technology in education evolves quickly, and maintaining an open dialogue with both your child and their teachers will help you navigate these changes together. The goal isn't to avoid AI entirely, but to use it thoughtfully in ways that genuinely support learning and development.

Please join us for Parent Academy Night on Wednesday, March 25th at 6:00 p.m. at Holland Brook School. This year’s theme, Family Learning Festival: Ignite and Inspire, honors both the joy and the challenge of raising children in today’s world. This evening is designed to bring our community together, offering connection, encouragement, and meaningful support. Throughout the event, parents and caregivers will explore practical strategies and valuable resources to nurture children’s well-being and success. Additional session details and RSVP information will be shared soon! We look forward to seeing you there!

The last few months at Readington Middle School have been full of energy, school spirit, and moments that really highlight what makes RMS such a special place. October kicked things off with our Week of Respect, which included daily spirit days and lots of visible reminders of kindness, inclusion, and pride throughout the building. One of the biggest highlights was Unity Day, when students and staff wore orange and came together for a schoolwide Rock-Paper-Scissors Showdown that brought plenty of laughs and a strong sense of togetherness.

Our students were also busy learning beyond the classroom. Seventh graders enjoyed the annual Walk in the Woods, while eighth graders headed to YMCA Fairview Lakes for their yearly trip focused on teamwork, challenge, and building connections. We were incredibly fortunate to welcome Jordan Toma to RMS, who shared his story about growing up “just a kid with an IEP.” His message about perseverance, self-acceptance, and believing in yourself resonated with students and staff alike and sparked meaningful conversations throughout the school.

October wrapped up with even more excitement. The HSA Pep Rally brought food trucks, team spirit, and one memorable moment where I was duct-taped to the wall—all in good fun and support of our RMS teams. We also recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a pink spirit day, filling the halls with support and compassion. The Student Council Halloween Bash gave students a chance to celebrate with costumes, music, and dancing, and we finished the month strong with fall sports playoffs. Our student-athletes showed tremendous effort, teamwork, and Viking pride.

As we moved into November and December, learning and creativity continued to shine. In No Passport Needed: Climate, Culture, and Cuisines of the World, students welcomed guest speaker Mr. Giancarlo Truppi, who shared insights about pizza and the culture of Napoli. Va Fa Napoli Pizza generously provided pizza for students, making the experience even more memorable. Our Fine and Performing Arts students impressed packed audiences during the Winter Concerts on December 8 and 11, showcasing the talents of our bands, choirs, orchestras, musical performers, and art clubs. A huge thank you goes to Ms. LeStrange, Mr. Hasselbring, Ms. Richter, Ms. Obenauer, and Ms. Pierro for their dedication and hard work.

Academically, our eighth-grade Civics classes partnered with Mrs. Zimmerman’s ELA classes on a Letter to the Editor assignment that gave students a real-world writing opportunity. A panel of teachers reviewed the submissions, and the strongest pieces were sent to The CHronicle, which will be publishing them in a special online series called “Viking Voices.” To round out the season, our Student Council, led by Mrs. Applegate and Mr. O’Neil, collected over 600 non-perishable food items in a single day during Thanksgiving week—an incredible show of generosity and community spirit.

These past months have been a great reminder of how proud we are of our students, staff, and families. RMS continues to be a place where learning, creativity, service, and Viking pride come together every day.

Winter sports are in full swing at Readington Middle School, running from the end of November through the beginning of February. These programs give students an exciting opportunity to discover an athletic passion while staying active, connected, and warm during the winter months.

RMS proudly offers two levels of boys basketball, two levels of girls basketball, cheer, and wrestling—providing opportunities for students of all skill levels to compete, grow, and represent our school with pride. With the season now at the halfway point, it’s the perfect time to celebrate some highlights from our dedicated coaches and hardworking student-athletes.

Boys B Basketball Coach Brian O’Neil shared, “This season we have the largest group of sixth graders the boys basketball program has ever had, and yet our games have been much more competitive than in years past. The future of Viking basketball is bright!”

Girls A Basketball Coach Paul Yunos added, “The Girls A basketball team has been tough and resilient while facing strong competition. The Lady Vikings are currently 3–3 heading into the break and will look to make a playoff push in the second half of the season.”

Cheer Head Coach Marybeth Schwarz noted, “This year, the cheer team welcomed one returning eighth grader and ten new sixth graders. These amazing girls have learned over 20 sitting cheers, three standing cheers, and are even creating their own cheers!” Their energy and enthusiasm have helped bring Viking spirit to every game.

All of our winter sports programs continue to grow and show tremendous promise for the future. We are incredibly proud of the effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship our students display each day.

We encourage families and students to come inside, warm up, and support the Vikings by attending a game or match. Something is happening almost every day of the week. Let’s pack the stands and cheer on our teams.

Go Vikings!

During the months of November and December, our district’s preschoolers were joyfully engaged in hands-on, meaningful learning through the Creative Curriculum. Children explored the Clothing Study, investigating fabrics, fasteners, and the many ways clothing helps us in our daily lives. Learning came alive through play, inquiry, and rich classroom discussions, all while supporting early literacy, math, and social-emotional development.

The season was also filled with celebration and connection. Preschool classrooms across all locations participated in Thanksgiving and winter holiday activities, highlighting traditions, gratitude, and community. Each site hosted winter shows and family celebrations, creating special opportunities for children to perform, share their learning, and celebrate alongside their families.

A highlight of the year has been our Family Partnership Projects, with all 16 preschool classrooms participating. These projects provide meaningful opportunities for families to engage directly in their child’s learning and classroom community. Through collaboration between home and school—such as building creations connected to classroom studies, sharing photos, or telling family stories—children see learning as a shared adventure. These experiences celebrate each child’s unique background while reinforcing the essential role families play in their educational journey.

In November, families showed incredible creativity with the “Turkey in Disguise” project. In December, our preschool community focused on spreading kindness through a holiday card-making project. Children created heartfelt cards to bring joy to older adults in our community, sharing cheer and compassion with those who may not receive many visitors during the season. Their creativity and kindness truly brightened the holidays.

As we welcome the New Year, our preschoolers are excited to dive into the Bread Study through Creative Curriculum, exploring how bread is made and enjoyed around the world. Families will once again join the fun with a cheerful snowman-themed Family Partnership Project, continuing our strong tradition of connection, creativity, and shared learning.

Our preschool program continues to be a place where curiosity grows, families connect, and joyful learning happens every day—we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings!

Our students in Mrs. Moleta's class had fun with apple stamping and used inventive spelling to label their picture wall. See the photos below:

Readington Township Public School District is conducting full-day Preschool, Kindergarten, and First Grade new student online registration for the 2026-2027 school year. The online registration process is officially open. If your child is currently enrolled in the district’s preschool program, you do not need to register for Kindergarten. If you wish to enroll your child for the first time in Preschool, Kindergarten, or First Grade, please click here.

We are pleased to offer our engaging twelve-course Summer Spark program this July for our district’s K-7 children. Held the weeks of July 20th and July 27th, our program features hands-on, enriching camps featuring STEM, Cooking/Baking, Arts & Crafts and Running/Sports. In addition, we will again offer our consistently sold-out “Warm Welcome” courses designed to assist children beginning Kindergarten, and those entering a new building in September. All 8 courses are led by our district’s trusted and dedicated teachers who will engage all students in a variety of hands-on, theme-based activities designed to enrich their skills and bring enjoyment of their summer vacation.

We are eager to invite our participating seventh graders to join our Spark Squad! While participating fully in the camp sessions of their choice, they act as Peer Leaders, assisting the other students when needed. They will earn recognition as a founding member of the Spark Squad and a formal receipt for these community service hours. Genuine leadership opportunities often arise organically and we welcome the chance for our students to experience and develop their innate ability to lead. Of course, seventh grade students may instead participate in the Spark program without taking this extra step to join the Spark Squad.

Back by popular demand, our extended day option provides early drop off and a full day experience Mon - Thur. Though our courses return with familiar names and focus, their specific activities are new each year and each week this summer.

Theme Courses by Grade Level:

• Crafting Campers (Jr & Sr): Create 2-D and 3D art using a variety of mediums, including pottery.

• Innovative Explorers (Jr & Sr): Complete new STEM challenges, play with LEGOs & K’nex, and drive programmable cars around “town”.

• Culinary Creators (Jr & Sr): Make breakfasts, lunches, desserts, & no-bake snacks.

• Run & Games (Sr): Enjoy longer distance running on the RMS track and enjoy team games with your new friends.

• Stage Stars (Jr & Sr): Learn new songs and host a performance for family and friends

• *Spark Squad* students can select from any of these courses.

“Warm Welcome” Grade Level Orientation:

• Kindergarten Kickoff: Two days at WHS or TBS, getting our members newest to the district, acclimated with their home school, playground, and Kindergarten activities.

• Bobcat Beginnings: One day introduction to HBS - including exploration of the building, making new friends and fun team building activities.

• Middle School Mingle: Four days of activities at RMS to familiarize children with the building, schedules, and expectations of the middle school.

Our workshops are thoughtfully crafted to be educational and enjoyable, emphasizing hands-on activities and group collaboration. Our goal is to form small classes, separated by grade band, to allow children to freely explore activities that interest them most.

Visit our website for program details. Register here when you’re ready to secure your spot.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ms. Ogden, Summer Spark Coordinator, at SummerEnrichment@readington.k12.nj.us.

The Readington Township School District is proud to announce the 2025-2026 Governor's Educator of the Year Program honorees:

Readington Middle School

Marybeth Schwarz, Special Education Teacher

Robert Pycior, CST/Social Worker

Holland Brook School

Meryl Vance, Grade 5 Teacher

Sheri Simonetti, CST/LDTC

Three Bridges School

Leslie Weintraub, Grade 3 Teacher

Nicole Smith, Paraprofessional

Whitehouse School

Kristen Frohn, Grade 2 Teacher

Karen Janisch, Paraprofessional

Please join us in congratulating these esteemed educators, who were honored today in their schools and will be recognized at our May 12, 2026 Board of Education Meeting.

Mrs. Jenn Mooney/RMS-Assistant Princicpal, Dr.Jonathan Hart/Superintendent, Mrs. Marybeth Schwarz/SE-Teacher, Mr. Rob Pycior/Social Worker, and Mr. Timothy Charleston/RMS-Principal.

Dr. Jonathan Moss/HBS-Principal, Mrs. Meryl Vance/Grade 5 Teacher, Mrs. Sheri Simonetti/LDTC, and Dr. Jonathan Hart/Superintendent.

Dr. Kristen Higgins/TBS-Principal and Mrs. Leslie Weintraub/Grade 3 Teacher.

Dr. Jonathan Hart/Superintendent, Ms. Nicole Smith/Paraprofessional, and Dr. Kristen Higgins/TBS-Principal.

Mrs. Kristen Frohn/Grade 2 Teacher, Mrs. Karen Janisch/Paraprofessional, and Dr. Jonathan Hart/Superintendent.

• January 19 / Schools Closed - MLK Day
• January 20 / BOE Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.
• January 22 / Superintendent Budget & Bagels @ 9:00 a.m.
• February 10 / BOE Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.
• February 13 / Early Dismissal Day - Curriculum Day
• February 16 / Schools Closed - Presidents Day
• March 5-6 / Early Dismissal Days - Parent Teacher Conferences
• March 10 / BOE Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.
• March 13 / Schools Closed - In Service Day
• March 16 / Schools Closed - Snow Contingency Day
• March 25 / Parent Academy Night @ 6:00 p.m.