Good Afternoon HP Family,
I am writing to provide you with an important update on the recent evacuation that occurred this afternoon at the middle and high school. Earlier today, our high school received a bomb threat that we took as a legitimate and immediate concern for the safety of our students and staff. As a result, we promptly activated our emergency protocols and evacuated the building in collaboration with local law enforcement and the office of emergency management.
I want to reassure you that the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority, We took swift action to ensure everyone's safety, and I am relieved to report that, after a thorough investigation by law enforcement and K-9 units, no credible threat was found. The buildings have been declared safe, and we are confident that is is secure for school activities tomorrow.
The local police are actively investigating the incident to determine the source of the threat, and we are cooperating fully with their efforts. We appreciate their quick response and commitment to ensuring the safety of our school community.
I understand that such incidents can be unsettling, and I want to express my gratitude for your cooperation and understanding during this challenging time. The resilience and unity displayed by our students and staff today has been remarkable.
Tomorrow, we will have our Crisis Response Team on hand to provide support to students and staff who may need assistance coping with the events of today. Our priority is to create a supportive and nurturing environment for everyone as we return to our regular school routine.
Once again, thank you for your patience, cooperation, and support throughout this situation.
Wishing you all a peaceful evening,
Dr. Kristina Susca
Superintendent
Good afternoon parents. Due to a normal evacuation of the High school and middles school your child has been relocated for dismissal today. All students are being taken care of by school staff as they prepare for the end of the school day.
Middle school students are located at the center school 319 North 3rd ave
High schools students are located at St Pauls church on South fifth avenue.
Students who use busing will be bussed from those facilities at normal time to their normal drop off location.
If you normally pick up your middle school student you should do so at normal dismissal time at the Center School on the North 3rd avenue side.
If you normally pick up your high school student you should do so at normal dismissal time at St Paul church on South 5th ave.
Students who walk home will be able to do so safely at the end of the day.
Due to inclement weather all schools and district offices will be operating on a delayed opening tomorrow. The middle and high school will start at 10:17am, Bartle at 9:45am and Irving at 10:10am. The current conditions on county road are unfavorable and projected to get worse overnight as the storm strengthens. Please be safe!
Due to the inclement weather of very high winds and potential flooding, the district is canceling all after school activities and sports, except the Before and After School Program at Irving and Bartle! Stay safe!
The next Strategic Planning meeting on January 17, 2024, which will begin promptly at 7:00 P.M. (doors will open at 6:45 P.M. for check-in and light refreshments) in the High School Cafeteria. Click the following link to sign up to attend meeting #2 Dream - Creating a Common Vision & Initiatives (open to everyone regardless of attendance at the first meeting) https://forms.gle/zKssfLE4rq99rbyC8.
Dear HP Family,
As we gather together to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am filled with immense gratitude and a sense of appreciation for the privilege of leading our remarkable school district. It is truly an honor to be part of such a vibrant and dedicated community that values education and the well-being of our students.
First and foremost, I am thankful for the good health that allows me to serve you each day. The well-being of our community is of utmost importance, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of our students in a positive and supportive environment.
This season of gratitude also provides a moment to reflect on the importance of friends and family. I am blessed to have a network of support that sustains me, and I appreciate the understanding and encouragement that both my personal and professional communities have generously offered.
On a personal note, I am excited to share a significant change in my life. I will be adopting a new last name, and I am pleased to announce that I will now be officially known as Dr. Kristina Susca, Ed.D. This change represents a meaningful chapter in my life, and I am grateful for your continued support and understanding during this transition.
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, let us remember to appreciate the moments of joy, the strength of our community, and the positive impact we can make together. I am sincerely thankful for the opportunity to lead this outstanding school district, and I look forward to our continued collaboration and success.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving.
Warm regards,
Dr. Kristina Susca, Ed.D
Superintendent
Check your email for the weekly message from the Superintendent!
There is a meeting of the Board of Education on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 6:30pm. The public portion of the meeting will take place at 7:00pm. This is an action meeting, meaning all of the agenda items are going to be voted on for approval. The Superintendent’s report will include a presentation from Ms. McNally on the start of the preschool expansion program, as well as a question and answer session to the district’s architect and the architect supporting the land owners of 1102 Raritan Avenue in regards to a future preschool building. The agenda can be found at the following link: https://5il.co/26yx4.
Dear HP Family,
There is a meeting of the Board of Education on Monday, October 2, 2023 at 7:00pm. This is a workshop meeting, meaning all of the agenda items are open for a discussion with no action taken. A couple of important topics that will be discussed include my presentation on a follow up to the results of the feasibility study that was conducted by the architects to identify locations for a preschool building, updates from some of the board committees, as well as personnel agenda items. The agenda can be found at the following link: https://5il.co/25ywq
This past Saturday marked the official beginning of Autumn. Autumn is a season of change, and in our schools change is also a constant. We are continually adapting to new challenges, opportunities, and educational trends. As we navigate these transitions, I encourage all members of our school community to embrace change with an open mind and a spirit of resilience. This time of year also brings with it a host of exciting events and activities. Please continue to check the district’s app for announcements regarding the strategic planning process, school fundraisers, extracurricular activities, sports, and school and other community events. These gatherings provide valuable opportunities for collaboration and engagement.
Hope to see you all at school events!
Have a restful weekend,
Kristina Nicosia, Ed.D
Superintendent
Dear HP Family,
The Board of Education invites you to participate in a Strategic Planning initiative along with your neighbors, community members, friends, teachers, students, and school district administrators to create a shared vision for the future of the Highland Park School District. This process will be facilitated by the New Jersey School Boards Association.
We will be creating a shared vision for the district, discussing the strengths of the district, the challenges that we face, and ways in which we can tackle those challenges. We are inviting staff members, parents, students, community leaders, and other interested members of the public to contribute their thoughts, ideas, and hopes – so that we can effectively plan for the future of our students.
Mark your calendars for the following three dates for strategic planning:
October 18, 2023
January 17, 2024
February 21, 2024
All meetings will begin at 7:00 pm and take place at the High School Cafeteria. Light refreshments will be served and babysitting services will be provided. Kindly let us know if you will be attending by signing up using the form linked here. This will assist us in planning for child care and translation services. I am looking forward to working with you all to develop a new strategic plan to guide the district.
Dear friends,
In order to celebrate the life of our beloved Darcie we will gather on Sunday, October 8th at 4pm in the Highland Park High School Cafeteria. We will share stories, view photos, and enjoy light refreshments. Please use this link to RSVP, especially if you would like to speak.
Please also sign the memorial guest book and share memories at Darcie Cimarusti WeRemember.com
Thank you sincerely,
David, Fiona, and Sabina Bell
The next meeting of the board of education will be held on August 28, 2023. Please note that this will be a hybrid meeting that will begin at 7:00pm. This is an action meeting in which the board members will vote on agenda items. Additionally, the board will be interviewing and selecting two new board members for vacant positions. The agenda can be found at the following link: https://5il.co/2356w.
HIGHLAND PARK BOARD OF EDUCATION
Highland Park, New Jersey
ANNOUNCEMENT OF TWO (2) BOARD MEMBER VACANCIES
(TERM DATES: 8/28/2023 - 12/31/2025)
RESIDENTS OF HIGHLAND PARK WHO ARE INTERESTED
IN BEING APPOINTED TO THE
HIGHLAND PARK BOARD OF EDUCATION,
TO FILL AN UNEXPIRED TERM,
MAY MAKE AN APPLICATION BY SUBMITTING
AN EMAIL DECLARING INTEREST AND ATTACH A RESUME
NO LATER THAN AUGUST 21, 2023
TO:
Ms. Denise DeRosa
Board Secretary
Highland Park Board of Education
Email: dderosa@hpschools.net
Please indicate “BOARD MEMBER VACANCY” in subject line
MUST BE A REGISTERED VOTER AND RESIDENT OF HIGHLAND PARK, NEW JERSEY
STATE MANDATED CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECK AND
FINANCIAL/RELATIVE DISCLOSURES WILL BE REQUIRED WITHIN 30 DAYS
CANDIDATES WILL BE SCHEDULED TO ATTEND THE PUBLIC BOARD MEETING ON AUGUST 28, 2023 WHERE THEY WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK ABOUT THEIR QUALIFICATIONS AND RATIONALE AS TO WHY THEY ARE SUITED FOR THE POSITION
The next meeting of the board of education will be held on August 7, 2023. Please note that this will be a hybrid meeting that begins at 7:00pm and will be a voting meeting that includes a presentation on the results of the grade 11 NJGPA test results. The agenda can be found at the following link: https://5il.co/20yrf.
The Highland Park Public Schools are delighted to share the news of Highland Park High School staff member Richard McGlynn being inducted into the New Jersey Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in spring 2023. McGlynn, a physical education teacher at the Highland Park Public Schools for the last 21 years, has served as the assistant coach/defensive coordinator at the Bordentown Regional High School for the past three years.
Prior to his move to coach the football team in Bordentown, McGlynn served as head coach of the Highland Park High School's football team for 11 years. In that capacity, he led the HPHS team to seven playoff appearances, five division championships, and a trip to the state championship. He was named Division Coach of the Year in 2007, 2009, and 2016.
"We are so proud of a member of our HP staff and community, Mr. McGlynn, on this amazing accomplishment!" said Dr. Kristina Nicosia, Superintendent of the Highland Park Public Schools. For more information on the New Jersey Football Coaches Association, see: https://njfca.org
This week's message can be found in my monthly newsletter: https://www.smore.com/9wrvm
Weekly Message from Superintendent:
This past week the Board of Education voted in favor of my recommendation to not accept any of the outsourced proposals for the child care program at Irving and Bartle. Instead, we will continue to support our in-house program, but with some changes to the fiscal and management of the operations. My first step is to create a job description for a Child Care Program Director for the Board’s approval. I will post for the position and seek to hire the best candidate for the job. In the meantime, I will work on adjusting job descriptions and hourly rates based on positions that will be needed to support the program. Once I have that information I can put together the booklet for next year that will include the new program rates. I look forward to improving this wonderful program!
The next meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023 in the Middle School Cafeteria. The public portion of the meeting will begin at 7:00pm. During this meeting the board will be voting on action items in the agenda that can be found at the following link: https://5il.co/1w6mc.
The Highland Park High School Robotics Club is hosting a fun FTC robotics practice game on Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 9am - 3pm in the High School Cafeteria. There will be contests, workshops and snacks. The students would love to have you join them to watch them compete, play and learn!
Also, The Highland Park First Aid Squad, in conjunction with the Mayor's Teen Advisory Council, invites residents of Highland Park and nearby communities to a fun-filled Open House and Teddy Bear (or fluffy friend) Clinic on Sunday, June 11th, 4:00 - 7:30 pm. The event will be held at the First Aid Squad at 128 South 11th Ave. For more information on this event, please send email to the Borough's Public Information Officer, Harry Glazer, at hglazer@hpboro.com, or to Andrew Dalton at adalton@students.hpschools.net , Eneya Khalil at ekhailil@students.hpschools.net, or Zina Borody at zboroday@students.hpschools.net.
Weekly Message from Superintendent:
The next meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023. The public portion of the meeting will begin at 7:00pm. The agenda can be found at the following link: https://5il.co/1vmtf. Although this is a workshop meeting the board will be voting on the child care provider for the 2023-2024 school year. The provider manages the before and after care programs at Irving and Bartle Schools. Additionally, I have invited staff from Catholic Charities to attend the meeting to answer questions from the board during the Superintendent’s report. With the providers assistance I have put together a frequently asked questions document to address the myriad of questions posed to the board and myself via email. Click here to read all of the relevant information.
I would also like to take this opportunity to share that the Mayor's Teen Advisory Council (and HPHS students) are organizing an Open House Event for the HP Volunteer First Aid Squad on Sunday, June 11th from 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM. The purpose of the event is to raise money for and awareness about the First Aid Squad. Since they are volunteer-based, they are underfunded and need support in order to purchase new equipment, make renovations in the building, and continue their work. There will be food, refreshments, educational stations, CPR and stair chair demonstrations, tours of the building and ambulance, a Teddy Bear Clinic, and more activities for kids. I made a donation to support this great cause and hope that you will support the First Aid Squad as well by attending the event!
Weekly Message from Superintendent:
This past Monday the Board of Education passed four new job descriptions for preschool staff in anticipation of full day preschool expansion in the fall, renewed several yearly contracts for routine services, and approved several personnel agenda items, such as a new School Business Administrator and new teaching staff (including the yearly reappointment of the current staff). Additionally, the Board asked questions and shared comments from a presentation on the School Performance Report, as well as the results of the Request for Proposals process in searching for a child care provider service to manage the before and after care programs at Bartle and Irving. To watch the recording of the meeting or to view the presentations click here.
This week (May 14-20) the New Jersey School Boards Association recognizes the achievements of the state’s 232,000 special education students and the dedicated work of their parents, teachers and other school professionals. This year, for Special Education Week, their theme is Creating a Better World. The District Board of Education recognizes the students who have worked so hard and accomplished so much; and we are so thankful to their parents and educators, who have provided support to these children and continue to look for ways to improve our schools to promote achievement for all students.
The next meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023. The public portion of the meeting will begin at 7:00pm. The agenda can be found at the following link: https://5il.co/1u6zb. I am excited that the board will be spotlighting a couple of deserving high school students. During the Superintendent's report there will also be a presentation on the School Performance Reports, the District’s HIB (Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying) Grade, and the Before and After Care recommendation for program management.