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Middle School Newsbite: May 27th, 2025

Posted Date: 5/27/25 (9:00 PM)



The Watershed Institute

5th graders visited the Watershed Institute on April 30th/May 1st. Students took their learning outdoors to a local stream, where they searched for invertebrates and conducted water quality tests. Using hands-on tools and scientific methods, students examined the health of the ecosystem and gained a deeper understanding of how living organisms can indicate water cleanliness. It was a fun and educational day of real-world science in action!


Lucy Milheim Named NJSCA Most Resilient Student

On May 14th, Lucy Milheim earned the NJSCA Most Resilient Student Award at Rider University. Lucy's counselor Joanne Fenimore recommended her for the prestigious honor. 

"Lucy isn't just a phenomenal student; she has also gotten so involved in our various activity offerings at South Hunterdon that she has become an integral member of our community. A gifted actress, musician, and artist, she has performed in our all-school musicals as well as our school concerts and annual Festival of the Arts," Joanne Fenimore explained in her recommendation. Ms Fenimore continued to praise Lucy as a top-notch student who has a wide range of interests both within and outside of school. 

"She has overcome so many personal challenges to not just succeed, but to thrive and excel," Joanne said. "She is the kind of student who makes my career a joy because of her hardworking nature, kind-hearted character, and buoyancy in the face of multiple challenges. In my 20 years as an educator, she is one of the top students I have ever encountered with regard to resiliency and rising above adversity. She is truly a shining star."



Lucy came to South Hunterdon Regional Middle School as a 7th Grader as part of the NJ Interdistrict Public School Choice program. She has overcome difficulties both in and outside of the classroom, including autism, anxiety, social communication disorder, central auditory processing disorder, and ADHD-inattentive subtype. On top of this, her father was diagnosed with cancer and was receiving intensive life-saving treatments as Lucy transitioned to middle school. 

Despite these challenges, Lucy has excelled in the classroom and through various school activities and has become an integral part of the South Hunterdon community. In fact, she was recommended for a full load of academic honors-level classes for 9th grade and has done so well that she has proven ready to be declassified from her IEP this past winter. 

"We are so, so proud of Lucy," Lucy's mother, Sarah Milheim, explained. She shared how South Hunterdon has fostered Lucy's growth by providing a supportive and welcoming environment to learn and develop. "Coming to South has been such a blessing for us as a family, and we are so proud of the joy and hard work she puts into everything she does. One of our favorite things about Lucy is her natural ability to "work hard and be kind".  She exemplifies and lives South Hunterdon's motto every single day, both at school and at home."

Congratulations, Lucy! In celebration of receiving this wonderful recognition, we caught up with Lucy to learn more about her experience at South. 

How does it feel to have your hard work as a student recognized?

LM: It feels good to be finally be recognized for my hard work!

How has South Hunterdon supported your growth and success as a student? 
LM: The teachers believe in me, and help me to accomplish my goals.  I did not get the help and support I needed in my old school district.  The teachers here at South truly care about their students. 

How has participating in the school musicals enhanced your overall experience at South? 
LM: Performing arts has made me a lot more confident than I had been.  It's fun to be a part of something bigger, and to be part of a team.

What do you enjoy most about the arts? How has performing in art shaped you as a person? 
LM: It's a way for me to destress, and a fun way for me to express my creativity, whether in visual or performing arts. Performing definitely helps build my confidence, and helps me learn how to accept and overcome challenges.

What are your favorite classes, or what is your favorite thing about South Hunterdon? 

LM: My favorite classes this year are Chorus, Art, and Math. The teachers are my favorite thing about South Hunterdon. They actually know me, and take the time to get to know me as a person. That means a lot to me.

"Lucy is a fighter.  She always has been - she has tenacity, great strength and presence of mind."
-Sarah Milheim (Lucy's Mom)


National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

Throughout the month of May, Middle School On Location celebrated National Speech-Language-Hearing Month!
Each day in May, students shared a morning announcement with an interesting fact related to articulation, language, voice, fluency, and hearing.  Students and staff were reminded of the importance of learning and using good communication skills. 
Communication disorders are among the most common disabilities that school-aged children experience.  Left untreated, these disorders can negatively impact a person’s academic, social, and career success—as well as their overall quality of life.  With early treatment, many communication disorders can be reversed or even prevented. However, treatment at any age or any stage can make a positive impact. 

Fun giveaways and handouts were distributed which described the important ways that speech-language specialists can support students and colleagues in the classroom setting. Teachers were reminded to use strategies to care for their voices, since being part of a profession which requires them to speak more than the average person on a daily basis, puts them at risk for voice disorders.



National Speech-Language-Hearing Month is a great time to help all people, no matter how they communicate, to feel included in the school community. It’s an important time for everyone to reflect on how to be respectful and supportive to those with speech/language/hearing disabilities. 
A person’s communication skills are critical at each stage of life:
  • For young children, as a strong foundation for language and literacy; 
  • For school-aged children, as a requirement for academic and social success; 
  • For adults, as a key part of their career and personal relationships. 
Happy National Speech-Language-Hearing Month!
We thank our Speech-Language Specialist, Diane Ford, for all the celebrations, education, and treats this month.  We also took time to honor Mrs. Ford for National Speech-Language Specialist Day!  As a former Governor's Educational Professional of the Year, we are grateful for all Diane does for our students, her colleagues, and our whole school community.
-Principal David Miller



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Math Board Games




Our sixth-grade mathematicians have been hard at work creating their own math board games, and their projects turned out fantastic! Students applied what they’ve learned throughout the year—everything from fractions and decimals to ratios and geometry. They had the opportunity to design and create, while keeping their math skills in mind. Their hard work, collaboration, and problem-solving skills truly shined during this project. 


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What's Coming Up?
05.26.25 School Closed: Memorial Day
05.28.25 Field Day - Grades 5 & 6
05.29.25 PreK FUN Day
05.30.25 5th & 6th Grade Dance
06.03.25 6th Grade Safety Patrol Trip - Nex Level Ninja @ 9:00-11:00
06.04.25 Field Day - Grades 5 & 6 (Rain Date)
06.05.25 6th Grade Field Trip - Dorney Park
06.11.25 - 06.16.25 Early Dismissal Days
06.11.25 PreK Promotion @ 10:00 - MPR
06.12.25 Assembly - Ball in the House @ 9:45-11:00 - South
06.13.25 School Picnic @ 1:00-3:00
06.16.25 Last Day of School - Pizza & Kona Ice
06.16.25 Report Cards Posted