The state Department of Education approved the Lenape Regional High School District’s principal evaluations, and it is slated to save the district $15,000, according to Heather Xenakis, director of curriculum and instruction.
Originally, the district was going to implement an “off-the-shelf” program, which would have been costly. According to Xenakis, the district was given the chance to submit its own evaluation practices, which needed state approval.
The state approved the district’s program recently, allowing preparation for use during the 2013–2014 school year.
The state is currently overhauling the entire evaluation system for teachers and administrators, which will be employed in the fall.
To learn more about AchieveNJ for teachers, visit www.state.nj.us/education/AchieveNJ/teacher/rfq.shtml.
In other news:
•The Lenape-Cherokee Storm Robotics Team was honored for numerous awards it received this season. The team participated in the world championship in St. Louis and placed 15th overall among teams from around the world. There are 79 students making up the team, broken into two squads.
“Both Lenape and Cherokee create something so unique in that our two schools can come together and work together,” said superintendent of schools Carol Birnbohm. “That’s what our district is all about.”
The team received banners, like state championship winning athletic teams, which will hang in the respective high schools.
Of the 109 teams in the tri-state area, Storm Robotics is ranked second, despite winning the most recent championship, though no explanation was given on the ranking.
•The LRHSD “U Got Brains Champion Schools Program,” Heads Up! Eyes Forward campaign was recognized for its achievement.
The team, comprised of students from all four schools, was awarded the top honor, taking home $10,000 toward prom and a driving simulator.
“Winning the competition is very exciting because it validates all of the hard work that our students performed on the Heads Up, Eyes Forward! campaign throughout the school year,” said John Donaldson, LRHSD Director of Television Services in a district release.
“It was a great opportunity to grow as an individual, learning communications and public relations skills, while also helping to get out an incredibly important message to drivers in New Jersey and beyond,” Lenape High School senior Matt McGrorty said in the release.
Highlights of Lenape Regional’s winning campaign included a partnership with the state Department of Transportation spearheaded by McGrorty, whose persistence resulted in a visit to Lenape High School from NJDOT Executive Director of Transportation Systems Management Dennis Motiani and the Heads Up, Eyes Forward! message posted on 160 dynamic message signs including the Garden State Parkway, the Turnpike and A.C. Expressway, the release said.
•Ellen Mears, coordinator of administrative services, will retire effective July 1.
Members of the board and administrators honored her for her more than 20 years of service at the district.
“Ellen is the epitome of professionalism and made sure this district ran smoothly,” Birnbohm said. “She has earned a restful retirement. Congratulations, Ellen.”
Mears will spend her retirement with husband, children and six grandchildren.
“She never let us down,” president of the board Ted Shinske said. “There was no task too difficult for her.”
The next board of education meeting is scheduled for July 17 at 7:30 at the administration building, 93 Willow Grove Road.
