Category Archives: Schools Scene

Find out what’s going on in the RFH Regional High School and Rumson and Fair Haven school districts.

Sickles Students Lunch with a VIP

March 30, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

First grader Ava Strandberg and her VIP, mom Stacey, enjoy the fun at Sickles School's Lunch with a VIP celebration. Photo/courtesy of Fair Haven School District — First grader Ava Strandberg and her VIP, mom Stacey, enjoy the fun at Sickles School’s Lunch with a VIP celebration.
Photo/courtesy of Fair Haven School District

The following is an edited press release from the Fair Haven School District:

This year’s Lunch with a VIP was a success at Fair Haven’s Viola L. Sickles school in Fair Haven.

Sponsored by the Fair Haven Parent Teacher Association, the lunch event, this year held from March 11 to 13, offers first-, second- and third-grade students the opportunity to enjoy lunch, treats, and fun activities with their own special VIP adult guests at a festive celebration.

“It provides them with a unique opportunity to connect with their loved ones during the school day, and to create a lasting memory,” said Jen Halcrow, who served as event co-chair with Suzanne Duffy.

This year’s event featured coffee for the adults, donated by Booskerdoo in Fair Haven, and cupcakes by Cupcake Magician on Monmouth Street in Red Bank (a hit with everyone).

A photo booth, a BINGO game and a Just Dance activity, led by Sickles School Principal Cheryl Cuddihy, added to the fun.

“It was such a pleasure to watch the different generations share stories, collaborate on Just Dance moves, and strategize for Bingo!” said Cuddihy. “We love having guests visit our school, and we were delighted to spend time with our VIPs.”

Schools Scene

RFH Students Help Habitat for Humanity Build for Sandy Victims

March 26, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following is an edited press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School:

The Habitat for Humanity Club at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) has been officially named an affiliate campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity International.

RFH, one of only two official campus chapters in Monmouth County, was recently awarded a disaster services grant totaling $11,100 from Habitat for Humanity International and State Farm®.

The $11,100 grant will be used by the RFH Habitat for Humanity Club for the House That Youth Built, a youth-based service project, for the Henn Family of the Port Monmouth section of Middletown.

The Henns were displaced from their Port Monmouth home in 2012, when it was deemed uninhabitable due to damage from Hurricane Sandy. The family, consisting of a widow raising her 18-year-old granddaughter, has been living in a Keansburg apartment for more than two years.

The House That Youth Built engages schools from Monmouth County in fundraising efforts to help the Henn family to rebuild their home. Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County hopes to raise $60,000 through the campaign in order to construct the home, which will be the fifth build resulting from displacement by Sandy.

The RFH Habitat for Humanity Club, with over 110 student members participating in builds, clean-up projects and fundraising, provided a boost to the campaign by applying for and receiving the grant.

The money will be presented to Habitat for Humanity/The House That Youth Built by a representative from State Farm, a supporter of Habitat for Humanity since 1994.

“We are so grateful to be a part of rebuilding this community after the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy,” said the Club’s Faculty Advisor and RFH science teacher Susan Pagano. “I am extremely proud of all our student members who volunteer so much of their time and energy.”

RFH Habitat for Humanity Club Officers for the 2014-15 school year are: co-presidents, Allie Geiger and Sarah Nelson; vice president, Tommy Babcock; secretary, Tommy Lenskold; and treasurer, Lindsey Corydon.

“Our community was greatly affected by Superstorm Sandy, and as students we recognized that we could really make a difference to a family in need; applying for the grant was a no-brainer,” said Sarah Nelson. “We are excited that several local schools are also participating in the House That Youth Built program.”

For more information or to donate to “The House That Youth Built” campaign, visit http://share.habitat.org/henhome.

Schools Scene

RFH’s Jack Velcamp Honored as ‘Unsung Hero’

March 25, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) freshman Jack Velcamp has faced adversity, conquered it and, because of his visionary drive and dedication, won the 2014 Unsung Hero Award from the Jersey Shore Chapter of the New Jersey Football Officials Association (NJFOA).

The Unsung Hero Award, funded by the Manasquan Elks, was created in 2005 to honor football players and students who demonstrate drive and commitment despite adverse odds, an RFH press release said.

Velcamp, a Rumson resident, has a form of dwarfism known as Achondroplasia that prevents him from participating in football games as a player, the release said.

In spite of the physical challenges that come with the Achondroplasia, he has been lauded for working tirelessly to make positive contributions to the RFH program — first as a waterboy, and now as head of sideline operations, according to the release.

Saying that the RFH Football team is “blessed” to have Velcamp for another three years, Head Coach Bryan Batchler said in the release that “Jack is enthusiastic, passionate and encouraging. He cares deeply about the team, our success, and the hard work required to reach the mountain top.”

He also works with the RFH basketball program and Chris Champeau, its head coach, the release said.

With the official presentation made at the Jan. 20 RFH Board of Education meeting, JNJFOA Shore Chapter Member Dennis Heard said, “True stature is not measured in feet and inches … it is gauged by how our conduct and actions are perceived by others. How we handle our responsibilities, those assigned to us and those we volunteer for, is a true measure of who we are.

“Someone who can be counted on; someone who always puts other people’s needs above his own; superior character and work ethic’ – that is what defines stature.”

Schools Scene

Looking Back at Fair Haven Schools’ Celebration of Dr. Seuss

March 25, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following is an edited press release from the Fair Haven School District:

Even a cranky Grinch would have been smiling at the Fair Haven School District’s birthday celebration for beloved author Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss.

The extravaganza at Sickles School kicked off on March 2 – Suess’ birthday and Read Across America Day — with what was dubbed a Birthday Celebration assembly.

Continue reading Looking Back at Fair Haven Schools’ Celebration of Dr. Seuss →

Schools Scene

Facts Behind the RFH Boys Basketball SCT Win

March 19, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following information was culled from a press release issued by Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School.

News spread very quickly when the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Boys Basketball team made history with its first Shore Conference Tournament (SCT) victory, toppling Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) with a 50-24 score.

Since the Feb. 27 banner game, though, more milestones have been hit.

RFH point guard Brendan Barry has been named Player of the Year and Varsity Head Coach Chris Champeau has been named Coach of the Year by the Shore Coaches Association, according to a press release from RFH.

Here are some other facts about the game that you may or may not know:

Continue reading Facts Behind the RFH Boys Basketball SCT Win →

Schools Scene

Internet Safety Explored at Rumson Schools

March 9, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following is an edited press release from the Rumson School District:

The Rumson School District recently presented a parent “coffee chat” on the subject of Internet Safety and Cyber Bullying.

The event Feb. 23 event was organized by Forrestdale School Guidance Counselor and Anti-Bullying Specialist Jenn Crow, and hosted by local parent and internet safety expert Tyna Kilbourne.

Continue reading Internet Safety Explored at Rumson Schools →

Schools Scene

Delayed R-FH Area School Openings

March 5, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

All three school districts in the Rumson-Fair Haven area will be operating Friday on a staggered delayed opening schedule.

Fair Haven School District — Knollwood and Sickles schools

• Superintendent Nelson Ribon has announced that the delayed openings of the Fair Haven schools will follow the Plan B schedule, which is a two-and-a-half hour delay to prep “both campuses for students and staff.”

And, “AM Pre-K and Kindergarten both begin at 10:30; PM Kindergarten begins at 1:00, followed by PM Pre-K at 1:10. No lunches will be served,” according to the district website.

Rumson School District — Forrestdale and Deane Porter

• There will be a 90 minute delayed opening of the schools.

*Pre-school a.m. session will be open from 10:10 a.m. to noon

* K-8 will operate on a 10:10 am to 3:05 p.m. schedule

There will also be no 1 p.m. dismissal, as previously scheduled for parent/teacher conferences. They will be rescheduled, according to the website.

Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School

• The high school will open on 90-minute delayed schedule.

* Staff sign in is at 9a.m.

* The warning bell will sound at at 9:10am.

* Period 1 starts at 9:15 a.m.

“Buses will be running this morning on a 90 minute delayed schedule,” the website says.

Schools Scene

RFH Students, Staff Pursue Sources of Strength

March 4, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following is an edited press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School:

Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s (RFH) peer leaders and staffers recently tapped into Sources of Strength training resources to enhance their knowledge of suicide, violence and substance abuse.

Approximately 80 RFH students who are members of the RFH Peer Leaders organization along with 16 faculty members trained in what is dubbed Sources of Strength, or SOS, on Feb. 18.

“Helping students learn how to access their Sources of Strength during life’s challenging moments will help them to build resiliency and improve wellness throughout their lifetimes,” RFH Student Assistance Counselor Suzanne Fico, who helped organize and participated in the training,” said.

Sources of Strength (SOS), according to the organization’s website, “leads in the field of suicide prevention by respecting differences among individuals, communities, and cultures and by drawing out stories of strength and healing.”

The group’s mission, according to the site is “to provide the highest quality prevention for suicide, violence, and substance abuse. This is accomplished by training, supporting, and empowering both peer leaders and caring adults in the school community.”

“We approach prevention in a different way,” Barnabas Health’s Turning the Tides Program Manager and event facilitator Rachel Alvarez said in her introduction to the group at the February training session. “Research has shown that programs like this one work best when people like you — here in this gym right now — learn how to use your own strengths to send positive messages of hope, help, and strength to your peers.”

Jamie Juliano, RFH Child Study Team member and co-advisor to the Peer Leaders, helped organize the event and participated in the SOS training. She described it as a fun experience that appeared to have a powerful impact on all involved.

“It was encouraging to see the students developing creative ideas to spread hope, help, and strength messages to their fellow classmates,” said Juliano. “As one of the adult advisors, I hope to continue helping these students turn their ideas into action so that our whole community can feel the effects of Sources of Strength.”

The group took part of a number of exercises, and learned how to break down communication barriers — or what SOS refers to as codes of silence — to help bring about positive change and also increase the likelihood of peer leaders encouraging their fellow students to seek help when they need it.

“The SOS training makes you think about things in a different way,” RFH sophomore and Peer Leader Ben Pelino said.

Schools Scene

RFH Chess Club Makes History

March 2, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following is a press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School:

The Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH)Chess Club achieved a record-breaking finish at the Shore High School Chess League Championship Tournament on Feb. 25.

RFH placed fourth out of 36 teams in the tournament at the Monmouth Mall for the best finish in school history.

Chess Club Advisor and RFH Math teacher Kevin Pfister describes sophomore Nicholas “Nick” Alescio as the club’s “Top Dawg.”

“Nick is the highest-rated player on our team, and his work ethic both inside and outside of school is remarkable,” said Pfister. “Last year, Nick was our ‘fifth board’ — and after one year of hard work and determination, he has landed himself as our ‘number one board’.”

“I am very excited to see Nick continue to grow as a chess player and as a student over the next two years.”

According to Pfister, the Chess Club provides an opportunity for RFH students to participate in friendly matches against their peers. As a Varsity Club, RFH competes each week against other schools in the Shore High School Chess League, with the top teams vying for a championship.

In addition to their historic finish at the Championship Tournament, the RFH Chess Club achieved a 2014/15 Regular Season record of 6-2. This was the best finish since 2007/08 and it earned the club a Second Place berth in the Fischer Division.

The club’s Playoff record was 2-2.

Members of the 2014/15 Chess Club are: Danny Alegria (Varsity Squad), Nick Alescio (Varsity Squad), Charlie Barnes (Varsity Squad), Jacob Black, Lizzie Boyce-Blanchard, Maggie Boyce-Blanchard, Justin Daluise, Theo de Quillacq (Varsity Squad), Jack Felice, Tristan Kilper, Peter Maris, Teddy Montalbano (Varsity Squad), Arnold Muralt, Logan O’Connell, Connor Placer, Cole Stevens (Varsity Squad), Alex Thomson, Alex Werner, Eli Weitzner, and Doug Young (Varsity Squad).

Schools Scene

‘Lunch with a Loved One’ at Deane Porter

February 26, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The following is a press release from the Rumson School District:

Students in Kindergarten through third grade at Deane Porter School in Rumson enjoyed “Lunch with a Loved One” on Feb. 16.

The students invited a special person of their choice to the luncheon celebration, a long-standing tradition at Deane Porter. The school’s entry-way, gymnasium and cafeteria were festooned with pink, white, and red hearts in keeping with a Valentine’s Day theme.

“The Parent-Teacher Organization works their magic every year to create special memories for all involved, and no detail is missed,” Deane Porter Principal Shari Feeney said. “Lunch with a Loved One lets both the students and the special guests know that they are loved and cared for, and the smiles and laughter from lunch last the whole day.”

Schools Scene

Ace RFH Archer on ‘Dream Team’

February 26, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) sophomore Avery Pagano shot for a dream and it came true.

The teen archer is one of 30 who has been chosen to be part of the Junior Dream Team (JDT) which comprises the most promising junior and cadet Olympic-style archers in the county, according to a release from RFH.

Pagano has been shooting competitively for a few years.

The JDT program was developed to “fast-track” archers between the ages of 12 and 18 who show early potential and bring them together for training camps, coaching, and competition, the release said. “Athletes are selected based on a number of criteria, including their participation and performance in the annual Team Selection Camp, and will experience training camps at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.

Continue reading Ace RFH Archer on ‘Dream Team’ →

News, Schools Scene

Knollwood Teacher Back in the Classroom

February 25, 2015 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

By Elaine Van Develde

Fair Haven School District’s sixth grade Spanish teacher Basil Henning is officially off administrative leave and headed back to the classroom.

Without mentioning his name or discussing why Henning was placed on leave from his job at Knollwood School, effective Feb. 15, Superintendent Nelson Ribon addressed the capacity crowd at the onset of Wednesday night’s Board of Education meeting with the news.

“While the situation continues to be investigated, we are satisfied up to this point that a resolution is on tonight’s agenda to end this administrative leave,” Ribon said at the beginning of his superintendent’s report.

Concerning the decision to place this “staff member” on leave, Ribon said that “based on the information obtained up to that point in reference to the rights of that employee and the health and safety of the children, appropriate action was taken on one of our staff members, which was to place that person on administrative leave.”

Ribon thanked parents for their numerous correspondences as well as “patience and understanding to allow the process to run its course” in the 10 days Henning was on leave.

While Ribon did not mention Henning’s name, nor did audience members, it was included in a *correspondence that was sent out to parents on the Sunday evening of Feb. 15 when the leave decision was made.

The 10 days of correspondences he mentioned coincide with Henning’s leave — starting on Feb. 15 and ending after the resolution passed to end the leave at the Feb. 25 board meeting. More specific information will be shared in the future when and if it can be; but, right now, “because this is a personnel matter, we cannot discuss at this meeting or in public.”

Rumson parent Andrea Clurfeld spoke in the stead of several people there seeking more information about the leave. She asked that the board speak to procedure only and if the passing of the specific resolution on the matter to end the administrative leave meant that this teacher would be back in the classroom immediately.

“Yes,” Ribon and board members answered.

And just to clarify, Ribon said, “This was administrative leave, with salary and benefits (intact) … This was not a suspension. That is entirely different.”

Henning’s salary was listed in the April 18, 2013 Fair Haven Board of Education agenda as $49,787. Hired for the 2011-12 school year, Henning was one of 18 non-tenured staff members offered tenure for the 2013-14 year, the agenda item said.

*The letter sent out to parents on Feb. 15 read as follows:

On Sunday, February 15, 2015, Ribon, Nelson < [email protected]> wrote:

Dear Parents & Guardians,

I am writing to inform you that Mr. Basil Henning, a Knollwood School staff member, has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately. We are taking the proper steps to ensure that appropriate coverage is put into place.

Since this is a personnel matter, information regarding this cannot be discussed or shared with the public by our administration or BOE members, nor will it be a part of the public portion of our upcoming Board of Education meeting. If and when it is legally permissible and appropriate, information would be disseminated.

Thank you for your time.

Nelson Ribon