Three junior students were selected to attend this years Governor's ...

Three junior students were selected to attend this years Governor’s School programs. Joseph Schiavone was
selected to attend the School of Engineering and Technology at Rutgers University, Kathryn Materna was
selected to attend the School on the Environment at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, and Sayantan Deb
was selected to attend the School of the Sciences at Drew University.
Seniors Carlo Vaccari and Qi Wang received recognition as finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
The following eight students are 2010 National Merit Scholarship Program’s recognized students for their scores
above 201 selection index. Those students with the asterisk *** are considered National Merit Scholar Semifinalists:
Timothy Su Kevin Lyman
Pronoy Biswas Kathryn Materna***
Sayantan Deb Joseph Schiavone***
Aravind Devarakonda Joanna Witynska
Sergey Gerstein*** Kevin Wong
Samaikya Karri
Junior Gokce Yurekli was recognized for her community service project of collecting health supplies and
packaging them for individual children. The packages were shipped to Darfur and Sudan.
The Edison Rotary recognized senior Kimberly Lin as their Student of the Month. Interact Advisor Wallace Smith
attended the recognition program.
Students and staff participated in the Annual Spring School Food Drive sponsored by Middlesex County Food
Organization and Outreach Distribution Services (M.C.F.O.O.D.S.). Students collected over 6.8 tons of nonperishable
foods. The Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders recognized the students at their May
meeting.
Senior Joyce Holowatch was selected as a finalist in the “Courage and Compassion” Wallenberg Honors Program.
This program calls attention to student’s behavior in their service to people. Joyce Holowatch spent the last two
summers abroad. As a participant in the Rustic Pathways project, Joyce along with others, hand built a library in
rural Thailand and last summer she worked at an animal/bird shelter/sanctuary in New Zealand.
Eight Academy students participated in this year’s “Don’t Drink & Drive” video contest. They produced three
separate videos explaining the perils of alcohol and driving. The awards ceremony took place at Robert Wood
Johnson Hospital, in New Brunswick.
Junior Kevin Wong, a high school student, is a member of the Middlesex County College collegiate Mathematics
Team. He will receive two honors at a ceremony at the Middle-sex County College Awards Day. Kevin will
receive a Garden State Undergraduate Mathematics Conference Award of Excellence and an award for scoring 3 rd
place Top Score in the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges - Mathematics League Tests.
Senior Joyce Holowatch was recognized as the recipient of the Middlesex County Guidance Counselors “Caring
Award” on April 2, 2009.
Senior Natalie Naranjo earned national recognition from youngARTS, the National Foundation for Advancement
in the Arts core program which recognizes and awards young artists from high schools around the country.
Natalie earned an Honorable Mention for exceptional achievements in her writings and poems and she received a
letter of congratulations from New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine.
The Middlesex County School Boards Association of School Business Administrators recognized junior Jacob
Binstein and senior Palak Patel as award recipients at the 2009 Student Recognition Program.

Dr. Deborah Cohen, Director of the Office for Prevention of Mental Retardation and
Developmental Disabilities spoke to the Health Technology students on the subject of
fetal alcohol syndrome. The very comprehensive presentation taught students how
to recognize brain damage through observation of slide images. Causes, diagnoses
and identification of physical features and symptomatic behaviors were discussed.
Students in the Building Maintenance program competed in a wooden slot car race.
The students designed, cut, sanded and applied custom paint schemes for their cars
and they constructed an elaborate 24-foot long slot track for the race. The
construction of the track and cars incorporated lessons on many of the tools used in
the Building Maintenance program, which greatly enhanced operative skill sets and
improved team-work ability.
Ms. Debbie Riscica, a Perinatal Risk Reduction Coordinator of Central New Jersey
Maternal and Child Health Consortium visited Academy Health Technology classes.
Ms. Riscica’s presentation addressed prescription drugs and over-the counter
medication abuse and the effects on the brain. The presentation emphasized that
abuse can cause dangerous interactions with other drugs or chemicals in the body.
A Chatear en Español is a live chat in Spanish between students from the
Woodbridge and the Perth Amboy campuses. Students from each school are assigned
to work collaboratively with a group from the other school to complete assignments.
The Project Idea Exchange (PIE) webpage is utilized for promoting and monitoring
chat discussion.
The 10th and 11th grade Allied Health students participated in a guest lecture by
Dr. Andrew Falzon, County Medical Examiner. The presentation provided information
about the role of the Medical Examiner, forensic pathology as well as the autopsy
procedure.
The Industrial Processing and Building Maintenance students accompanied by their
teachers, Mr. Lawrence Langan and Mr. Charles Santore, attended Construction
Career Day at Brookdale Community College. Industry representatives utilized several
“hands-on” exhibits to explain the many different trade occupations that exist within
the construction industry. Students were also provided with information on
apprenticeship training, earnings and job requirements.

The School of Performing Arts, Theatre, presented Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Nights
Dream on April 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th . The productions consisted of an intricate set designed
by the students from the School of Performing Arts and built by Building Trades
students under the direction of their instructor, Mr. Steve Canning.
Senior Nicholas Davis earned the Gold Medal Award for Cabinetmaking at the NJ Skills
USA competition held at the Carpenters Training Center in Trenton, NJ on April 21,
2009. Nicholas qualified for the National Skills USA competition that will be held in
Kansas City, Missouri in June.
Edelyn Amonte, a junior in the Graphic Arts shop, earned the Jurors' Award in the 2009
What About Peace? contest. What About Peace? is an international art contest for
youth, ages 14 – 20, to express ideas and thoughts about peace. There were entries
from 42 states, the Virgin Islands and Australia. The award received by Edelyn was for a
poster she entered in the Graphic Poster section of the contest. Only 14 students
received the Juror's Award and Edelyn is the only student from New Jersey to receive an
award in the Poster section.
To enhance student learning of the Fibonacci sequence, students in Ms. Sonia Vaksman’s
9 th grade classes were assigned to give a power-point presentation on this
mathematical sequence which is a numerical pattern that repeats its first two numbers
and the numbers thereafter are the sum of the previous two numbers. Ms. Vaksman’s
twelfth grade classes judged the presentations.
The East Brunswick Campus hosted their annual Guidance Day on April 2 nd . Following
school presentations, Culinary Arts students under the direction of their instructor,
Mr. Robert Allen, prepared lunch recipes.
Senior Eric Rothstein was recognized as the recipient of the Middlesex County Guidance
Counselors “Caring Award” on April 2, 2009.

Thomas Almasi, a junior in Computer Systems Technology, won second place in the
statewide video contest sponsored by the New Jersey State Bar Association and the
Young Lawyers Division at the 2009 Law Day celebration. The contest, entitled "A
Legacy of Liberty: Celebrating Lincoln's Bicentennial" required applicants to create a
YouTube video describing the legacy of Abraham Lincoln. On Law Day, May 1 st ,
Thomas and his parents attended an event at the Hughes Justice Complex in
Trenton for a photo opportunity with the Hon. Stuart Rabner, Chief Justice of the
New Jersey Supreme Court. Thomas will participate in the Attorney General’s Law
Day program with awards being presented by Attorney General Anne Milgram.
The Perth Amboy Campus held their first annual College Information Night on April
1, 2009. The event was well attended by parents and students seeking information
about preparing for college, the Middlesex County College High School Scholars
Pro-gram and financial aid.
On April 1, 2009, seniors from the Culinary Arts program competed in a contest
sponsored by the Nestle/Minor's Food Corporation for $2,500 in scholarship money.
The students put their culinary cooking skills to the test, preparing ten recipes
utilizing Minor's food products. Gloria Mercado won a first prize $1,250 scholarship,
Christian Rios won a second prize $750 scholarship, and Carmelo Rivera won a
third prize $550 scholarship.

The Piscataway Campus school newspaper, ALL EYES ON PVT, was awarded
First Place in the American Scholastic Press Association’s 2008 – 2009 Scholastic
Newspaper Awards Competition. The school received a plaque to display and
each editor will receive a certificate at the Annual Awards Ceremony in June.
Ms. Brenda Schaffer, instructor, is the newspaper advisor.
On April 1, 2009 Richard Markham, a Massachusetts based graphic designer,
presented a hands-on seminar “Automotive Air Brushing—Techniques and
Design.” Mr. Mark-ham’s work has been featured on the covers of various
automotive publications and he has produced almost two dozen cable TV shows
that have aired nationally. Mr. Mark-ham demonstrated air brushing methods
and many students had an opportunity to try his techniques.
Deanna Rossman was recognized as the recipient of the Middlesex County
Guidance Counselors “Caring Award” on April 2 nd .
On April 19, 2009, Chef Kristin Shyler from Johnson & Wales visited the Culinary
Arts students to discuss the importance of post secondary education and the
various career opportunities available in the culinary field.
The Piscataway Campus celebrated “Bring Your Daughter/Son to Work” day on
Thursday April 23, 2009. The children visited some of the career technical
education programs and observed students learning hands on skills.
Seniors in Computer Applications for Business attended the Middlesex County 3D
Public Service Announcement Awards Program and luncheon at Robert Wood
Johnson University Hospital.
On April 25, 2009, adult Cosmetology students volunteered their time at South
Plain-field’s “Tiger 24” fundraiser to help raise funds for needy families. The
students demonstrated the latest techniques in eyebrow shaping.
On April 24, 2009, Guidance Day was held at the Piscataway Campus. Twentyeight
counselors attended representing nine school districts from Middlesex
County. Timothy Simmons, an honors student, gave a presentation explaining
the reasons he chose to attend the vocational school district. Ms. Karen
Welland, counselor from the Von E. Mauger Middle School in Middlesex Borough
was honored.
On April 29, 2009 the Piscataway Campus hosted the Annual Advisory Dinner.
Over 250 representatives from business and industry met to discuss labor
market needs, curriculum and the latest trends in technology and equipment.

On April 22, 2009, Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools awarded Certificates of
Completion of Related Instruction to forty-two students at Apprentice Graduation.
Superintendent Dr. Karen McCloud Hjazeh, Board of Education President John F. Bicsko, Jr.
and Freeholder Ronald G. Rios provided congratulatory remarks.
The 2009 Albert Hudanish Leadership Award was presented to Middlesex County Freeholder
Director Stephen J. Dalina during graduation ceremonies. The award is presented annually to
recognize an outstanding leader from business and industry, labor, government or education
that has made a significant contribution to apprentice-ship. More than two hundred fifty
individuals attended, most of them family, friends and sponsors of the graduating
apprentices.
Jason Voicheck, Electrician with IBEW Local 456 in North Brunswick was selected and
recognized as this year’s Apprenticeship Class Representative. The Class Representative
embodies the principles of apprenticeship which include dedication to the trade, loyalty to the
sponsor, increasing productivity during training, positive attitude and work ethic, and
academic excellence.
In recognition of their excellent record of scholastic achievement, the following Apprentices
were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society:
Shawn Finnegan, Electrician with IBEW Local 456 in North Brunswick
Jonathan Garbolino, Plumber with Caballero & Sons Plumbing of Freehold
Jason R. Milewski, Electrician with IBEW Local 456 in North Brunswick
Shawn Moyle, Electrician with IBEW Local 456 in North Brunswick
Christopher Papa, Electrician with IBEW Local 456 in North Brunswick
Christopher Piparo, Electrician with IBEW Local 456 in North Brunswick
Orlando Ruiz, Packaging Mechanic with Dr. Pepper Snapple Group in Carteret
Jason Voicheck, Electrician with IBEW Local 456 in North Brunswick
Honorary Membership to the National Technical Honor Society was awarded to Plumb-ing
Instructor Anthony J. Rago for his service and support of Apprentice Training.
The 2009 Edward J. Fofrich Memorial Award was presented to Jason R. Milewski. The Joint
Apprentice Training Committee of Local Union No. 456 in North Brunswick presents the award
to the IBEW Apprentice graduate who practiced the principles of labor unions by helping
classmates in school and co workers on the job. The award was established in recognition
of Edward J. Fofrich, an IBEW Apprenticeship Instructor of Middlesex County Vocational and
Technical Schools for 25 years and an IBEW Local Union No. 358 Electrician for 40 years.
An Adult Education outreach initiative is underway to apprise high school students in
Middlesex County communities about career training and apprenticeship opportunities offered
through the Adult Education program. Mr. Michael Pede, Supervisor of Adult Education and
Mr. Bruce Negri, Supervisor of Adult Education and County Apprentice Coordinator met with
prospective students to discuss certificate programs and appren-ticeship training. Programs
were held at the following high schools: Sayreville War Memorial High School, South Amboy
High School, Spotswood High School, East Brunswick High School and Edison High School.
Mr. Michael Pede participated in the Regional Technical Assistance Workshop for the Carl D.
Perkins Vocational-Technical Education Grant on April 27, 2009.

The Department of Instructional Services is preparing for the administration
of numer-ous assessments. Career technical education students, who are
completing their programs, will be taking competency assessments.
Students enrolled in a biology course will participate in the Biology End of
Course and the Biology Performance Assessment. Some district-wide classes
will also participate in the Algebra I and Algebra II End of Course field tests.
Grade 9 and Grade 10 English and mathematics students will be taking the
Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Measures of Academic Progress
(MAP) assessment.
Ms. Margaret Rizzolo, Director of Instructional Services and Ms. Marlene
Shakarian, Supervisor of Instructional Services attended a conference
sponsored by the New Jersey Association of Federal Program
Administrators. Grant Wiggins, a consultant for the New Jersey Department
of Education, lectured on developing curriculum using the Understanding by
Design Model (UBD) and Jim Grant provided numerous strategies for
differentiating instruction.
Ms. Dawn Lystad, Supervisor of Career Majors, coordinated the district’s
Advisory Committee Dinner and Meeting. Over 250 business and
community leaders attended the event. The committee members provide
support and guidance.

The Readiness and Emergency Management for Middlesex County Schools
Collaborative provided a School Safety and Security Fair at our East Brunswick
Campus. More than 35 interested guests attended.
Ms. Suzanne Parmentier, Education Liaison, for the Army National Guard
presented an overview of the National Guard’s Partners in Education Program to
our school counselors, child study teams, and student assistance counselors.
The presentation included an overview of the programs and resources provided
by the National Guard.
On April 23, 2009, Ms. Magan Lee, School Social Worker, and Ms. Eileen Ziper,
School Psychologist, provided an informational presentation at the “Third Annual
Special Education Symposium” at Edison High School. Over 100 parents,
students and Middle-sex County educators attended the symposium.
On Wednesday, April 29, 2009, Ms. Magan Lee, School Social Worker, gave a
Power Point presentation at the “Best Practices in Transition Planning” workshop
held at Middlesex County Educational Services Commission. Ms. Lee presented
to more than seventy-five Child Study Team (CST) members a description of
program opportunities that are available.

In continuing with the Internet safety initiative, the Technology Department
completed the upgrade of the district web filter to adhere to
CIPA (Child Internet Protection Act) standards. CIPA is a federal law
enacted by Congress to address concerns about access to offensive
content over the Internet in school. This is a key component in maintaining
the safety and security of students and staff when using the
web and other forms of direct electronic communications.
The Technology Department successfully completed the verification of
student data specified by the Northwest Evaluation Association
(NWEA) for the assessments that will be given to students in the
spring. The tests will provide research-based assessments and enable
teachers to get immediate diagnostic information.
The Technology Department updated the district’s Enterprise Content
Management Software to provide greater Web content management
and enhance document manageability.
The Technology Department completed over 149 technology support
requests for the month of April.