Manchester Township School District Newsletter
December 4, 2009  
In This Issue
Party for Kevins Kids
New Technology
Students Honor Vets
Quick Links
Manchester PTA
School  News 
Important Dates
Dec. 11
Deadline for Kevin's Kids Donations 
Dec. 18
Mid-term Notices
Dec. 24-Jan. 3
SCHOOLS CLOSED
 

Greetings!

I am always so proud of the kindness and generosity of our students and staff who participate in numerous community service activities throughout the year.  The Kevin's Kids Christmas Drive is one of the most amibitious, involving hundreds of volunteers from throughout the district and support from the entire Manchester community.  They hope to make sure Santa visits every child in Manchester, with a list of over 350 children this year.  Please consider making a donation.

In November, I was very proud of the respect our students showed as they participated in Veteran's Day Ceremonies, as well as  the effort they put into Thanksgiving food drives for those in need in Manchester. 

In the classroom, we continue to find new and exciting ways to enhance learning and are now using some new interactive technology, which you may read about below.
 
Our students will share their musical talents at Winter Concerts throughout the month of December.  I encourage you to attend at least one of these wonderful performances, which are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
 
Happy holidays to you and your family!

David Trethaway, Superintendent
 
Birthday Girl Collects Gifts for Kevin's Kids
 
Olivia & her friends with toys for Kevin's Kids
Olivia P. and her mom, Joni, of Manchester, were planning her 10th birthday party and decided to do something very different to help local children have a happy holiday this year.
 
"I have had some great parties over the years, with some amazing friends and awesome gifts," said Olivia.  "Then I came up with a great way to celebrate.  I've been so fortunate and I know there are others who are not, so I asked my friends to bring a toy for Kevin's Kids instead of presents for me." 
 
In her party invitation, Olivia explained, "Kevin's Kids is an amazing organization that helps kids right here in Manchester!  My family donates new toys and clothing each year to Kevin's Kids, but how cool would it be if a whole bunch of us from one birthday party helped too?  Please join me in helping put a smile on another child's face on Christmas morning." [see full article]
 
How You Can Help
 
Donations to Kevin's Kids will be accepted now through Dec. 11 at any Manchester public school. Checks may be mailed to Kevin's Kids Drive, Manchester Twp. Middle School, 2759 Ridgeway Rd., Manchester, NJ 08759, Checks should be made payable to 'Manchester Twp, Middle School' with 'Kevin's Kids' in the memo section.
  
Teachers, Students Excited About New Technology 
Teachers demonstrate technology 
Teachers in the Manchester Township School District are taking advantage of new interactive technology to deliver engaging lessons and get instant feedback from their students.  Middle school Language Arts teacher Nikki Mazur and Technology teacher Peg Viola demonstrated some of the new technology at the November Board of Education meeting, including an interactive whiteboard and remote voters. [see full article]
  
ROTC Cadets at Town Hall CeremonyManchester Students Honor Veterans
 
Manchester Township students participated in Veterans Day ceremonies at Town Hall and at all of the schools.

At Town Hall, the Middle School band played America the Beautiful. The High School's NJROTC cadets attended the ceremony and their Color Guard and Drill Team performed. Students from Regional Day School, Ridgeway, Whiting and MTES also attended the ceremony.

The High School held their 6th Annual Veterans Recognition Day Ceremony after school in the auditorium. The NJROTC Color Guard and Drill Team performed at this event also. Students and guests spoke about the importance of remembering those who have served our country and to whom we owe a debt for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Each Veteran present was individually honored for their service. [see full article & photo slideshow]
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