Middle School Newsbite: September 15th, 2025

Posted Date: 09/15/25 (01:57 PM)

Middle School Media Specialist Shelley DiSalvi is entering her 27th year at South Hunterdon. She taught fifth, second and third grade (respectively) in our district before becoming the media specialist at the middle school. She is also certified in SEL (Social-Emotional Learning). To celebrate her many years of service to South Hunterdon, we caught up with Ms. DiSalvi to learn more about her experience.

Q: How have students shaped you into the person you are today?

SD: Over the years, my students have taught me flexibility, empathy, and the importance of truly listening. They motivate me to grow into not only a better educator but also a better person. I see the world from their eyes, and that reminds me to approach each day with wonder and possibility.

Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of working with South Hunterdon students?

SD: The most rewarding part of working with our students is seeing their growth, whether it’s that “aha” moment or the confidence they gain as they discover their own voice and abilities. Those experiences are constant reminders of why I love what I do.

Q: What is the most important thing you hope students learn from you?

SD: More than anything, I hope my students have left my classroom each year with a strong sense of self-belief, an understanding of the power of kindness, and the courage to persevere when faced with obstacles. I want them to know I was always one of their biggest cheerleaders, and seeing them become the best version of themselves makes me smile.

Q: What continues to inspire you in the field of education?

SD: There are so many things that continue to inspire me in the field of education. The curiosity and resilience of my students motivates me to keep learning and growing myself. I am also continually inspired by the passion, dedication, and creativity all my fellow educators put into each day. Education has never stood still, and we have all - students and teachers alike - learned to evolve and adapt in the most amazing ways.

Q: What makes South Hunterdon a special place to work?

SD: Our district is special because of the strong sense of community. We all work together toward shared goals, and that collaboration creates an environment where everyone feels supported and valued.

Hands-On Science: Contain the Outbreak!

“A mysterious virus has begun spreading in the United States. Your mission: contain the outbreak before it affects the entire country. The future depends on your team!”

CDC rang the alarm and Mr. Kowalewski's 6th Grade science class is up to face the task and contain the outbreak. As Cell Theory is introduced to the classes this week, students will engage in a hands-on activity designed to help them understand how population density affects the spread of infectious diseases. Students will analyze data to identify high-risk regions. They will propose containment and prevention strategies to slow a virus outbreak and work collaboratively to problem-solve and communicate findings.

Mr. Kowalewski hopes that this lesson will help students make connections to the not so distant past and better prepare these future scientists to lead should we ever face a crisis again.

School of Performing Arts

South Hunterdon is partnering with Hunterdon County Polytech to develop a School of Performing Arts at our High School. Students from our school district along with ones from Hunterdon County and even outside of Hunterdon County can apply to audition for the program which will launch in September 2026.

While programs like do exist at other schools in Hunterdon County, what sets South Hunterdon apart is the mission to strategically prepare students for a performing arts career or college program after graduating high school.

What's Coming Up?

September 18 Back to School Night
September 23 School Closed - Rosh Hashanah
October 2 School Closed - Yom Kippur
October 13 School Closed - Staff In-Service