There was a lot of good news at the November 28 meeting of the Manchester Township Board of Education. Manchester Township High School may be the first school in New Jersey to institute the National Safety Council’s “Alive at 25” defensive driving program, the district received a safety award, the high school received a sportsmanship award, the food service contractor is encouraging healthy eating, and the district’s employees were recognized in honor of American Education Week.
Manchester H.S. Vice Principal Alex George explained the “Alive at 25” defensive driving program, which will be a 4-hour course for sophomores, taught during school hours for one week by Patrolman Higgins of the Manchester Police. An after-school course for older students and an evening program for parents is also planned. George said the program utilizes an interactive teaching model with videos, role playing and other techniques aimed at changing the mindset of new drivers. The Board approved the program to begin this December, making Manchester the first school in the state to implement it, according to Higgins. [see related article]
The district’s food service contractor, Sodexho, has recently begun a fresh fruit and vegetable tasting program in the elementary schools, explained Jeff Hanaway, Sodexho’s Food Service Manager in Manchester. He said the goal is to encourage healthy eating and to introduce students to fruits and vegetables that they may not be exposed to at home. Business Administrator Peter Corigliano praised Hanaway and his staff for doing an outstanding job implementing the district’s nutrition policies and commended him for meeting regularly with students to get their input on the food service program.
Representatives of each of the Manchester School District's employee unions were presented with Certificates of Appreciation recognizing their members’ contributions to Manchester Schools, in honor of American Education Week. Superintendent of Schools, Dr. William DeFeo, said, “This is one way of recognizing our employees at all levels to show our appreciation for how they work together for the benefit of the students of Manchester.”
DeFeo announced that Manchester High School was chosen by the Shore Conference and NJSIAA for their sportsmanship award. “We are as proud of that as any victory we have on the field,” said DeFeo, extending his congratulations to the students, coaches, and parents.
Corigliano presented Board President Mary Walter with a safety award that the district received as a result of their compliance with the School Alliance Insurance Fund’s safety incentive program. He said the district’s commitment to this program saved the district about $25,000 in insurance costs this year. [see related article]
The search for a new superintendent is progressing smoothly, Walter announced. She said the Board has set Dec. 5 & 6 as the dates for first interviews with prospective candidates, and Dec. 12 & 13 for a second round of interviews.
The next regular public Board meeting is scheduled for December 19 at 7:30 p.m.
