Q: What inspired you to enter the field of education?
SM: My mother was a special educator for 30 years. I remember from a very young age helping her set up her classroom, and knowing this exactly what I wanted to do.
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Q: What makes ELA a special way to connect with students?
SM: There are so many lessons surrounding big themes these kiddos will be experiencing or have experienced. Therefore, we find many moments to connect and learn from one another while reading a novel. Further, writing is a huge tool to express yourself in a way that many children do not realize. It is a way to unlock creativity and expression. In assignments I am able to learn much more about their lives and perspectives.
Q: How do you define student success in the classroom?
SM: Ultimately I want my students to improve their reading and writing skills, but it is hard to narrow down one goal for students success. I want these kiddos to connect to literature. We live in a time of immense technology and instant gratification. It is a treat to take your time and dive deeply into a story that develops plot, characters, and lessons.
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Q: What is your first impression of South Hunterdon?
SM: I live local and feel a deep tie to this community, especially since my children are and will be in the district. I find the small and intimate community to be very special and unique.
Q: What is the most important thing you hope students learn from you?
SM: That there is love and enthusiasm in education. Teaching is so much more than learning content. If I can help these kiddos not only learn, but to enjoy learning while interweaving social emotional learning in the mix. Being in middle school with so many different students, it is more difficult to teach explicit SEL the way I could with younger elementary, but my goal is to connect this with reading and writing. I want these kiddos to know we are more than educators, but humans like them, who are there for them during such a formative period.
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The Boys Middle School Soccer Team has shown heart, teamwork, and steady improvement throughout the season. With players from a variety of backgrounds, the team’s diversity has become one of its greatest strengths—each player contributing unique skills and energy to the field.
While the season brought its share of ups and downs, with a mix of wins and losses, the team’s commitment to growth and sportsmanship has never wavered. Every player has demonstrated effort and determination, both in practice and in competition.
One standout this season has been Kenneth Dominguez Gomez, who leads the team in scoring with an impressive 17 goals. His focus and drive have set a high standard for his teammates and inspired strong performances across the roster.
The team now looks ahead to its final match of the season, which will be played at home this Tuesday. Fans and families are encouraged to come out and support the players as they close out a season marked by progress, unity, and pride.
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| History of Haunted Houses in Art |
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Seventh-grade students in Ms. Carril's art class explored the history of haunted houses before designing their own spooky creations! While haunted houses are often inspired by Victorian mansions, they became iconic symbols of horror and decay after American cartoonist Charles Addams depicted one as the eerie home of the famous Addams Family. Students began their artwork by painting a moody watercolor sky, then used scratch paper to design and reveal their own imaginative haunted house scenes.
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| We recently caught up with Ms. Zoe Carril about her art class. Here's more from Ms. Carril on finding creative ways to connect. |
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Q: How do you define student success in the classroom?
ZC: This is such a great question! As I mentioned before, as an art teacher, I am much more interested in the process rather than the final product. Success in the art room doesn’t necessarily mean creating a “perfect” piece of art—it looks like being willing to experiment, explore, and take risks. It might be trying out a new material or technique for the very first time, or approaching a project in a style that feels different and maybe even a little uncomfortable.
Sometimes success means sticking with a piece that feels challenging, or pushing through a project you’re not immediately interested in, and discovering something new along the way. It can also mean asking thoughtful questions, being open to feedback, or finding creative solutions when things don’t go as planned.
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Q: How does teaching art help you connect with students in a special way?
ZC: One of the things I love most about teaching art is the way it allows me to connect with students in such a special and unique way. The art room is a space where students often share parts of themselves that might not come through in other classes. Through their artwork, I get to see their personalities, interests, and creativity shine. Sometimes it’s in the bold colors they choose, the stories behind their projects, or even the quiet focus they bring to their work.
It’s always exciting to see a different side of students emerge when they’re creating. A student who might be shy in other settings may suddenly come alive through their artwork, or one who is full of energy might use that creativity to explore imaginative ideas. These moments help me get to know them as individuals, not just as learners, and make the classroom feel like a community where everyone’s unique voice matters.
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October 31 Halloween Costume Contest
November 3 NJSLA Adaptive Field Test
November 3 Parent-Teacher Conferences from 5-7pm
November 3-5 Early Dismissal
November 4 Picture Day Retake
November 4-5 Parent-Teacher Conferences from 12:45-2:45pm
November 5 NJSLA Adaptive Field Test
November 6-7 School Closed: NJEA Convention
Click HERE to see the High School Newsbite
Click HERE to see the Elementary School Newsbite |
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