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NPEF NEWSLETTER

THE WILLIAM PACA CLUB
One William Paca
Place off Livingston Ave.

Free entrance includes a chance to
win a school spirit basket! Drink
Ticket & light appetizers

Contact us at contact@npedfoundation.org with any questions.

COMMUNITY SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT

ATLANTIC REHABILITATION AT OVERLOOK

The NPEF is thrilled to welcome back Atlantic Rehabilitation to our growing list of generous corporate sponsors. This is the 2^nd year Atlantic Rehab has committed to being a TOP Sponsor, (since moving to New Providence in June 2014) making it possible to help fund our record breaking $70,348.50 toward funding Teacher grants and programs benefitting ALL four schools in New Providence.

“We are pleased to be a sponsor of the New Providence Education Foundation”, said Daniel Whelan, Manager, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Atlantic Health – Overlook Medical Center. “Our new facility opened in June 2014, located at 550 Central Avenue, New Providence. Services include Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Audiology, Speech Pathology, as well as Athletic Training. We also have satellite offices in Summit, Chatham and Union.” Atlantic Rehabilitation is also pleased to announce that Aquatic Therapy services will be available later this year. “As our vision states, we are empowering our communities to be the healthiest in the nation and we look forward to a continued relationship with New Providence Education Foundation.

The NPEF is incredibly grateful to have the support of such an amazing healthcare organization believing in them and supporting OUR children’s education.

GRANTS IN ACTION – INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!

The New Providence Education Foundation Funding went Global after it approved two Grants to bring back their INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL after a 6 year hiatus and it was a HUGE hit! Over 200 students, teachers, and community members attended this successful event on March 18^th thanks to the generous contributions from the NPEF. “We invited the community to celebrate the contributions of all cultures through music, food, and information and we were able to do this thanks to the incredible support of the NPEF”, said Byron Tracey, Department Head of World Languages and Social Studies.

The countries represented through displays or performances were Spain, France, Japan, Italy, Germany, Palestine, England, and China. The students and teachers of each world language were at the booths to explain the culture and offer food from each country. The attendees, many of them students in the district, were able to participate in Salsa dance lessons and traditional German folk dances. There was a performance by the Jose Rodriguez Latin Ensemble and the attendees were able to sample food from many different cultures. The NP Diversity Committee was in attendance and the music department lined up performances, and they had donations for a raffle which were all FREE to the students and community.

“We wanted to thank all of the NPEF members, for your support of the International Festival. We had hundreds of attendees and I think it is fair to say that a great time was had by all. None of that would have been possible without the support of the NPEF. We look forward to making International Festival an annual event!” concluded Tracey.

“We have not had an International Festival in the district for over 6 years and the person who coordinated the last one left the district several years ago.” Maria Stiuso, a teacher in the New Providence School District’s World Language Department who teaches Spanish, applied for the $2000 grant and presented a vision to the NPEF that made funding the grant hard to resist. “We were pleasantly surprised by the interest in the event and our initial attendance estimates were unbelievably surpassed.” Added Tracey.
Less than a week before the International Event was to take place, they realized the event had become so big that they needed more money for the event. “Unfortunately, we did not budget for such exuberance” and although the band agreed to cut their fee, additional funding was needed to help make sure they were able to sustain this two hour festival with a great message. The NPEF held a last minute vote and approved additional funding of $549 and the event again, was a huge success! “We were pleasantly surprised by the interest in the event and our initial attendance estimates have been surpassed”.

“We wanted to thank all of the NPEF members, for your support of the International Festival. We had hundreds of attendees and I think it is fair to say that a great time was had by all. None of that would have been possible without the support of the NPEF. We look forward to making International Festival an annual event!” concluded Tracey.

HOT TOPICS IN EDUCATION: EXCITING CHANGES COMING TO ALL FOUR SCHOOLS IN NEW PROVIDENCE!

More classroom space, enhanced security, and STEM classrooms are just a few of the major items that are part of the New Providence School District Referendum Projects that were submitted to the New Jersey Department of Education for review and will be presented to the public later this month. The district is expected to receive monies in state aid for the projects to cover part of the referendum package.

“The upcoming referendum offers enhancements to all four schools while addressing the needs of our constituents.” said Dr. David Miceli, NP School Superintendent. “Last year’s Strategic Planning process provided much insight to the Board of Education, and as a result, the projects included in this referendum will provide more opportunity for programs, address enrollment issues, and offer greater security, while maintaining and upgrading our facilities.”

After meeting with parents and constituents last year and listening to their needs, the Board of Education heard them loud and clear and submitted projects designed to enhance security features and add instructional space in all schools. The security plans will include secure vestibules on the main entrances and important upgrades to door lock hardware. “All door locks will be changed districtwide as part of the security upgrade. The new locks will enable automatic locking systems covering all exit and entrance doors,” added Business Administrator James Testa.

Another driving factor for the plan was the enrollment projections, especially in light of the current elementary school bubble that will beentering the Middle School in a few years. STEM classrooms will be added and the Salt Brook School and high school will undergo much needed roof replacements. The referendum will also include a new boiler to be installed and an elevator upgrade at Salt Brook. The Middle School gymnasium will also get a much needed upgrade with new flooring, acoustical improvements, and locker room renovations. The Highschool athletic track will be restriped and it will receive new, much needed, fencing – also for security purposes.

NPEF SCHOLARSHIPS

The NPEF is honored to announce that this year, instead of presenting two $1000 Scholarships to graduating Seniors, we will be presenting an additional $1000 Scholarship ($3000 in scholarships total) in memory of Christine Romeo. Christine Romeo was unbelievably active in New Providence and after she passed away in December, her family generously asked that in lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the NPEF. In turn, the NPEF would like to honor Christine Romeo for all that she did during her life and present a scholarship in her name to an upcoming NPHS graduate.

SAVE THE DATE – 3^rd ANNUAL NPEF 5K STRIDES FOR STUDENTS – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16^th, 2016

REFERENDUM UPDATE:

Expect to hear much more about the Referendum in the upcoming months as a vote is set for late September. “It is an exciting time for the district, and we appreciate the community’s support!” concluded Dr. Miceli.