It is on the district website. We have sent a blast out to all current parents that we have. So, we do ask that everyone spread the word if they know that friends or family have students um needing to be registered for kindergarten. um those registration or that registration will happen March 9th to March 12th. So anytime during that week um parents should plan on calling school 4 and the uh secretaries at school 4 will be able to give you more information on the specifics with the official registration with kindergarten registration. We will have two evening sessions. Um so that is helpful for any of the working families that do need to come in um during the evenings. Applications for prek will be available March 1st. More information will be going out later this week about specifics in terms of prek. Any three-year-old and fouryear-old is eligible um for prek.
He has outside hobbies, woodworking, and bonsai, that further reveal his thoughtful and creative sides. On top of these talents, he's fluent in English and Polish, and he's got a pretty good typing speed, 73 words per minute. This young man's future very bright. He's accepted to a great list of colleges. He's currently deciding between the New Jersey Institute of Technology and TCJ. In either case, he plans to study computer science, possibly focusing on machine learning and artificial intelligence. It's going to be exciting to see where his talents, his interest, and his work ethic lead him. Please join me in congratulating Garfield High School student of the month for February, Anj Pashet Bodski. [applause] >> [applause] >> Um, good evening. I'd just like to say a few thank yous. Uh, firstly to Mr. Sappenbeck for nominating me. Um, you know, I really appreciate that you think so highly of me.
Okay. Um, and then I'm thinking the hot pink and the blue is just we're taking those things out. Well, hold on, you said we're leaving it. So the all curricular groups must, if we're leaving the definition, should we leave the things that are in blue right now? >> mean, Jay, do you recall what your opinion was on this part? Sorry, I don't want to like I don't know if you're still there. No, I I think um, I thought we had decided to remove the the highlighted text. Oh, okay, yeah. Well, that's cross the strike through. So then we want definition then. I mean, that makes sense. Yeah. >> Cuz we don't we currently don't have any curricular student groups. I I can't think we couldn't think of a circumstance where we would, but if we needed to stand them up, there's nothing preventing us from doing so in policy and we could always add it back in and just from the frame of reference of working with Beth on a policy diet, why define something in policy that doesn't require definition?
So, in the Reach program, we learn two grade levels ahead and they're also really small class sizes and everything is really inclusive. Like all the people I know in reach, they're really really nice and they just try to make you feel welcome and like they make sure that you still feel confident in yourself while also being challenged in different aspects. The reach program for my daughter has given her a lot of opportunities that she wouldn't have had otherwise. She's been able to go on annual field trips. She has done an annual research project and I think how rigorous that program has been has really helped her grow academically. She also has been with a cohort of students in that program. She knows those kids very well and they all are very supportive of each other and and cheer each other on. And there's been a lot of advantages to that.
Together, these achievements reflect the talent, determination, and competitive spirit of MUSD students. Round of applause. [applause] MUSD project momentum coordinator Brandy Williams represented MUSD on two national panels. The discussion centered on strengthening district collaboration and ensuring products are aligned to classroom needs. Recognized as an authority in implementing assessments and with an impact on student mastery of standards, Miss Williams was invited to share practical insight grounded in our district experience. Her presence brought MUSD perspective to a national audience. Congratulations to the 98 second grade students who've qualified for the MUSD gifted and talented program. All second graders are assessed in verbal, quantitative, and non-verbal reasoning. Students who meet district criteria in one or more areas qualify as gifted. This week, the district is completing additional gifted assessments for students showing advanced academic potential. And then finally tonight, we'd like to honor our 2026 National Board Certified Teachers.
That's good. All right. Does doing all sorts of aerial trying to trying to block Cloud out. Oh, and a Sybe from Cloud as well. Oh, and he does an upy to interrupt Sephrod's upbey. Oh my gosh. And he does a neutral special, but it just doesn't reach. He probably would have hit him too if it had gone through Cloud's neutral special. He does another cross slash, which is his side B. And now his limit is broken. And he tries for a down be, but Sephro interrupts it. All righty, there we go. Does a down air and knocks Cloud over to the right and does an up smash and launches Cloud up. Okay. Oh, he tries to do a dash attack into the neutral special. Oh, shielding. Oh, but that sword is a long one. Congratulations, Scott. You freaking took out that Sephro. You freaking took it out.
After graduation, she plans to attend Purdue University majoring in genetics and premed and then attend medical school. I'm sure at IU become an oncologist. >> CONGRATULATIONS. CONGRATULATIONS. >> CONGRATS. >> All right. Now, our February Rotarian Kylin Fuller, come on up. The February of the month is Kylin Puller. An active student at Meccan High School, she is known for her strong commitment and dedication to her academics and extracurricular activities. She has comp competed on the varsity softball team for three years, as well as managing both the girls and boys swim and dive teams for four years. Her academics are where she excels the most. She has been a recipient of academic M, has earned distinguished honor role every quarter of her high school career, and is currently ranked eighth in her class. Additionally, she has received an academic allconment awards, including outstanding French three student and outstanding honors algebra 2 student.
So all students will need to submit their course recommendations and elective decisions too. And the Ashlin High School Theatrical Society is also putting on their performance of theory of relativity. I've been told by the people performing it's very good. They've worked very hard on it. They'd also love for all of you guys to come and join them this Friday, Saturday at 700 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. to watch them perform. >> Thank you. >> Hi, I'm Sophia Renetski and I'm a junior. Um, so for clubs lately, the National Honor Society will be holding a talent show in March. And additionally, the club came together to make Valentine's Day cards for senior citizens, and they continued to collect food for the food pantry. Uh, and student council recently held their annual pancake breakfast, which was a big success. And at the end of March, they plan to hold a voter registration drive for students during lunch.
>> Okay. Thank you for those questions. The superintendent will answer those. I'm just going to make one comment on your second question. We don't purposely go over budget. >> Oh gosh, no. I know that. Yeah, usually there's some variable that it's and the superintendent will get into that more detail. >> Okay. Thank you for those questions. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Um I'll go back online because I noticed Mr. Blley's on and see if he has any comments or questions. >> Sure. >> Tom, there's going to be two opportunities for public comment. One at the beginning and one at the end. So, you'll have uh if you have questions, we'll have a chance.
But in the application process, we will have more information on how those students will be selected. And last but not least, uh we are working on updating our afterare for next year. We are in the early stages of planning not only after care from 3:00 to 6:00 in our elementary school buildings, but also offering a morning care session. So, for those families who are looking for morning care, um I would plan on having uh morning care available starting at 7:30 in our elementary schools and that would be paid for on a month-to-month basis and the morning care and afterare would be available any time that school is in session. So it is something that um if you are thinking about child care for September, you can plan on having morning care as an option for uh your son or daughter in any um school in grades kindergarten through fifth grade.
Uh, you're a great teacher. Um, I'd also like to thank uh the administration for making this possible. You know, uh, you were the reason things run smoothly. without you, Garfield, the Garfield, uh, educational district just wouldn't exist. Um, thank you for that. Um, I'd also like to thank the fantastic teachers of Garfield, you know, um, uh, especially those that I've had, uh, especially those in Garfield High School. Uh, those that have had an impact on me. Um, you know, what you do really does have an impact. Uh personally uh Garfield and the people in it are the reason why I love to learn and why I strive to to be better every day and um it's cuz they're fantastic people doing uh you know doing great things and u following their passions and um I'd just like to end with a final note of um you know uh Garfield is the city of champions because of the people in it.
Yeah, okay. Um, when Camelback wanted to do, this is for my own edification, but when Camelback wanted to do the like they would bus our cer- a certain group of students to um, this was pre-COVID. Uh, to the to Camelback to take their algebra credits, is that's not a student club, right? No, it wasn't a student club and it wasn't technically extracurricular. It was part of the school day because students took it in lieu of their normal math class. Okay, perfect. Yeah, and I think the plan was to bus them during Camelback zero hour or something like that. So So it was it would be during our normal school day. Okay. Um, all right, so then advisors. Oh, this was my um, my question was Sorry, I this I did this in like December so it's going to take me forever to get to it.
My favorite thing about going to school at Park is the teachers and how encouraging they are. My teachers are really awesome and they actually help me grow. My teachers are really kind and caring and they spend so much time trying to make sure that each kid gets what they need. They always work really hard to make sure that I am challenged and I'm learning to my fullest. I would describe the teachers at Park as being passionate, being caring, advocating for my children, and teaching them how to advocate for themselves. In parent teacher conferences at the beginning of this year, I was really surprised at how well they knew my kids and their specific needs already. We're fortunate here at Madison Park to offer a wide variety of after school extracurricular activities. anything from the typical fall, winter, and spring sports. And also, we are a recipient of the 21st century learning grant where we are able to offer free before and after school programs for students.
Often referred to as the gold standard of achievement. National Board Certification requires educators to demonstrate standardsbased evidence of dynamic instruction. Each teacher spends time evaluating their own instructional delivery and working purposely to adjust their practices to better meet the needs of their students. These teachers have worked tirelessly to earn the prestigious distinction. We have two uh honores this evening. So when I call your name, please step forward to the dis so that President Coutree can present you with a certificate of recognition. Congratulation goes to uh two teachers for NBCT renewal certification. Janna Pascador, not sure if she's here. [applause] and Ttha Martin. [applause] [applause] [laughter] >> Yeah, [laughter] >> I love it. So, we have a number of NBCTs in the [applause] audience tonight to cheer on our honore. We would love to have a photo with Miss Martin and all of our NBCTs who are in the audience tonight.
That is freaking awesome. Look at him over there. That is the face of a proud esports member. Yes, that is freaking That's how we do it. I tell you, that is how we do it. Yep. Scott is currently just talking and having a little chat with one of his JV friends. Yep. So, I guess we should also talk about the members of the JV team as well. So, for the JV team, we have Onyx 5, Robert Urgler 56, Electro 1, Dingus Man, the Cooker, and Ready Play. All right, so they currently So, they're currently uh leaving. They're probably going to go get some ice cream cuz man, that was a good match. Woo! It was absolutely crazy. Scott looking pretty pretty awesome. Oh, look. They actually seem to be they actually seem to be selecting a chat down there. That's pretty cool. Uh they're sending they're growling.
By the end of the spring semester, she will have completed the Indiana College, allowing her first or to finish her first year of college before graduating high school. She will also be receiving the honors diploma. After high school, Kylin plans to attend Ball State and major in psychology. FORWARD. Good job. Great job. Congratulations. Your smile. Okay, congratulations to our student Rotarians. >> Okay, moving down to item 3.1, approval of minutes. Organization meeting dated January 28th, 2026. I entertain a motion to approve the organiz organization meeting minutes as written. >> So moved. >> Second.
And then finally, Make a Wish held their annual Jump for Joy fundraiser where they raised nearly $4,000, putting them over the goal of $10,000 to grant a wish. And they also plan to sell concessions at the upcoming Clocker Classic. Thank you. >> Thanks, Sophia. Thank you everybody. >> Thank you. >> Anything more to add over there?
Any questions now? And hearing none, then I'll close public comment. We'll go back to superintendent. Super. Thank you. So, there's a a PowerPoint presentation here. We can make sure the the public >> Sure. >> has that. Also, this will also be on the website um this evening. If it's not up there now, we don't see tomorrow. I will answer the the public's questions as I go through the the present spots in here that we have today. So I would ask the board to just uh stay with me on the pages like I did the last time that I presented the budget book. So just as we recall the budget of the the administration superintendent of schools was grounded in decision and potent schools graduate of a creative thinker, communicator, collaborator, critical thinker and compassionate citizen. The board of I want to remind the board of education of the goals of goal number one, student growth and achievement, partnership and community engagement, financial sustainability and efficient operations, learning environment and belonging, embracing equity and workforce development.
Okay? And if there are any changes to the morning care and afterare program that we have, we'll be sure to get that out to the community as quickly as possible. Okay? So, at this time, um, I would ask everyone to turn to page eight, and I'm going to turn it over to Dr. Pantiano. We had a very productive uh, policy meeting a couple weeks ago where we did talk about some policies that either needed to be introduced or revised. um we took um everyone's opinions and we went back to the drawing board to make them appropriate for our district. So I would like to turn it over to Dr. Paniano and maybe she can discuss in a little bit more detail about some of these policy updates. >> Yes. First, I'd like to take an opportunity to thank my colleagues on the executive board of the Bergen County School Boards Association because last week I was elected president of Bourbon County and I want to thank them presuming that they will see this at some point in time for their confidence, their confidence in me and I look forward to serving the Burbank County organization obviously as well as the Cliffside Park board for the next two years.
You know you're all winners uh because of what you do for each other and the rest of the world. Uh, thank you. [applause] [applause] That was excellent. Congratulations. Look forward to seeing uh great things from you in the future. So, okay. Um, we are now going to um go into our memorial dedication for uh Miss Bquette. Um, but before I call Miss Alfonso up here, I just want to say I absolutely um I'm the new guy still, right? But I I don't think I have a right to say anything about this incredible woman, but I'm going to say it anyway. Um, she's one of the first people I met here when I got here. Um, I knew, you know, um, you know, I knew her situation and what was happening and and I'm still still now in awe of how this woman, the resilience, never complained, was here.