Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation with liberty and justice for all. First item would be our fabulous student representatives. I'm going to ask the DOD representatives, Whitney and Silas, to go first. Sorry, Connor. >> Hi, my name is Silus Newell. I'm an eighth grader on the green team. Hi everyone, I'm Whitney Rabbel and I'm an eighth grader on the red team. >> We want to thank you for the opportunity to share some of the great things happening at DOD. Once again, >> um while there are tons of um important and exciting things happening at DOD, tonight we're going to show you um some of the few things that have happened in the past and a few things that we're looking forward to coming up soon.
Can for the state from the name for the record your name and address? >> Uh Adam Grippo 6 Balsome Place Cheshure. >> Thank you. >> Former board member. >> Yeah. Oh yeah. >> Are you hanging around or could I ask a question right now? >> No. Yeah. I was going to hang I wanted to hear the report if there was a report. >> I uh Yeah. I just see at the end of the agenda so I wasn't sure we're going to um simple question. You said you would be helping out. Do you know if there's anything bigger than that? Like bigger than you and specifically like any sort of money to uh help promote awareness and I'm not saying any like particular amount. I'm just curious is there anything there? >> Uh there might be activities of foot. >> That's all I can say. >> Are you asking for some supplemental support in the event that we short our conversation?
um if she were here. So, I've got her um email address there right at the bottom. So, if you have any questions or or want any more information, just feel free to uh email an straight away um and she'll get back to you. So, coming up uh March 28th uh at Rogers Park, uh there's an early childhood resource fair. Um and actually, when Minnie comes on, it's going to be her organization, I believe, that is putting that on, so she can probably give a little bit more context for that one. Uh April 13th, uh the board of ed Danbury Collective, uh there's going to be a planning session about knowing your numbers. It's about how to set um measurement and uh measurement and and measurable goals for our collective impact effort. Uh April 17th, uh it's a um we have an event uh Mike calls strong dads workshop.
Keep up the great work, Kayen. And our fourth, you can stay up here. You can stay when you're done. >> Yep. >> And our fourth grade student of the month is Nathan Russell. Nathan has demonstrated exceptional progress this school year. Through consistent hard work and dedication, he has shown remarkable growth both academically and personally. Congratulations to Nathan. All right, Todder and Kayen, you guys want to come back here with me to get a picture? Hold back. >> The green sign. >> I'll stand over here if you want to stand over the side. There we go. >> Good job. Okay, on to our middle school students of the month from DDE. Our first student is from fifth grade, Kaylee Coons. We are pleased to recommend Kaylee as the fifth grade student of the month. She consistently tries her best in everything she does and truly strives for excellence in all areas of her learning.
[applause] And since you are kind enough to be here and with your wonderful presence, would you mind? Would you want to read the names? Awesome. >> Uh Leah Frangella, Olympic Conference Honors Band. Jacob Pielman, Olympic Conference Honors Band. Pervy Agaral of Burlington County Honors Band. Andrew, Burlington County Honors Band. Matthew Casper, Burlington County Honors Band. Logan Decker, all Burlington County Honors Band. [applause] Aaliyah Franella, all Burlington County Honors Band. Jason Wong, all Burlington County Honors Band. [applause] Ethan Hunter, All Burlington County Honors Band. [applause] Jackson Hunter, all Burlington County Honors Band. [applause] Jacob Peeleman, All Burlington County Honors Band. A Rob Sex, all Burlington County Honors Band. [applause] And Pervy Agraal, South Jersey Junior High Band. She's not here. [applause] Luna Cabrera, South Jersey Junior High Band. Not here. Sam Hassan, South Jersey Junior High Band. >> [applause] >> and Jackson Hunter for his second one.
I was a part of like kind of like WeGo Buddies. We called it Best Buddies at my high school that partnered up students with like developmental disabilities with same-age peers [music] and this is us uh hitting up what used to be Brunswick Zone going to $2 Tuesday and getting in some DDR which I had no business doing now or at any point in my life. Can I just have you sign the back, too? Sign the back. Yeah. Oh, so cute. >> I know. So [laughter] beautiful. Can you give me a little backstory to this picture? >> middle school club soccer. We were in a parade. So, you know, face paint [music] and everything made us play better. Do I still need to sign this? >> [laughter] >> No, okay. Morning. How are you doing today? Good morning. Can you just sign right here? You know, back in the day >> Back in the old days, right?
>> Second question. >> All right, Lisa, you can take the role. >> Kelly, >> yes. >> Abstain. >> Yes. All right. Thank you so much. Next we have our school board student representatives. Good evening. In the weeks that approach spring break, the VJ students and staff have continued to work hard to achieve success throughout our building. Our remarkable T-Bolts have consistently challenged themselves this month to better our community and individual characters. Specifically this month, our BGA family raised over $35,000 for the Illinois Special Olympics. This remarkable accomplishment was achieved in multiple ways, with the most popular being students and staff plunging after school on March 11th. From wearing costumes to cannonballing, the VGA community came together to freeze for a reason in 34 degrees. Additionally, to raise funds, the student led jazz group, Queso, held an after-school concert to fund raise. Performing songs in the Andrew Choir Room, all all of the proceeds from the ticket sales went directly to supporting the Illinois Special Olympics.
Is there any discussion? That motion passes 5-0 with Mrs. Smith voting virtually online. Perfect. Mrs. Obradovich, would you like to introduce your guest and Board members, any comments? I would just say it's a really impressive resume. The The hiring process and the committee and the the panel that is created always brings the best candidate through. So, thank you for going through that whole process and shining the whole way. Welcome aboard and excited to have you. Well, welcome to you and to your family. Glad that you got the black and gold memo. That's very awesome. And thank you to Mike for making the motion because I am am a bit torn. I My daughter, my oldest daughter, is the director of communications in Plainfield schools. So, we aren't speaking because of this action today. And so, I appreciate [clears throat] that I didn't have to go out on the limb and be the one, but I would have wholeheartedly because your credentials, the process that Dr.
And again, much like the first batch that we had, the first few rounds of policy that we have are pretty much the standard ones, the ones that you have to have in place. We're not really getting into ones that might be tailored more specifically to our corporation. Those will come at the end um of our batches. So, these ones had a lot to do with compliance. a lot of um compliance officers that we had to list which again is just copying over from what we had in our previous policy to these ones. I have a couple of questions in to the attorney of a couple of changes that I want to clarify that we can make just some practices. One of them that stood out to me when they were talking about parking that mentioned parking passes in there and stuff. We don't issue parking passes for us.
So proud to um recognize Mrs. Ritter. Uh Lesie truly deserves recognition for her hard work and dedication in her new role this year. She has exceeded expectations in every way, always prioritizing the needs of her students and going above and beyond to support their success. Her transition into the sixth grade team has been seamless. She fits in naturally and brings a valuable depth of knowledge from her previous experiences while remaining open and eager to learn how to best serve middle school students. We're incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside her and are so proud of the way she adapts, overcomes challenges, and maintains such a consistently positive attitude. Lesie also is one of the most selfless and thoughtful teammates. She has a genuinely big heart and is always willing to help others, often putting their needs before their own. kind, knowledgeable, and easy to work with.
Um, but the Johnson County version of that is just a just a smaller version of it. Um, it's on weekends and some nights. Um, but it is a lot of the same material. You're just not staying at the the academy to do so. So, >> when I think the other I'm sorry, how many how many hours are you say Johnson County has kind of different program? How many hours? >> It's roughly 480. So, It's a pretty extensive program. It's not >> correct. >> And I assume at the end of that they get some kind of paper. >> They get a certificate from the sheriff's department. >> Yes. >> Well, I think the other >> So, we would be sorry, Bill. Go ahead. >> No, the I I think you're going to ask that who pays for that? And that's um >> it's usually free, >> right?
But the greatest of all reflections of human nature. If men were angels, no government would be necessary. And I think those both reinforce that we should stand, ask for, and demand strong checks and balances. >> Yes. And I don't know. Uh I I kind of feel like we don't really have any checks and balances. Um but so you have the federal government with the executive judicial and legislative. But on the um local level, you have executive which would be the select board and the town I don't know the the government the select board and probably the staff. And then you have the legislative which is the people who come to town meeting. And I found this uh for the filming portion. I found this um organizational chart in the town of Medway and they say um well it says citizens of Medway but we might call it residents residents of Ashland.
To start, members of the band, orchestra, and chorus, all passionate about music, came together in the CMEA, a concert made up of the best of the best musicians our schools have to offer. In order to participate in the CMEA, students first had to apply, try out, and learn extremely difficult music. Students also had to learn to work with an unfamiliar conductor and students from other school districts. Furthermore, Cheshure students performed outstanding this year. Out of all 25 students participating, seven of our Cheshure students were the first seats, meaning they were the most skilled in their sections. More specifically, Chesher conquered the flutes, clarinets, alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, viola, as well as trumpet sections. Overall, the CMEA was a great experience for all of the students involved. Um, this year Dodge Drama Club has been really dedicated to put on an amazing show this year. And their show dates will be tonight, March 19th at 700 p.m.
>> No, I'm literally talking about like just getting the word >> $10,000 for a direct mailer. >> Like that's it. I mean, I I've personally talked to people who were involved >> in the effort last time >> and hopefully we're all going to get together and then we'll see what's needed after the numbers come in, you know. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Adam. >> Thank you. >> All right. I'm kicking it back over to you. >> Great. We didn't receive any emails. Uh so we have a few items on our agenda tonight. I am going to go over our capital expenditure plan based on where we are with the town. I think that this will likely go to the board of ed in May because they're looking to approve in July. So, it's it's definitely been pushed back a little bit. Um, which I actually think was advantageous this year for us to evaluate where we were a little a little bit later.
These are going to be school-based. Um it's basically a workshop for dads. Um, and they'll be happening at a few different schools around the district. April 24th, uh, at the Amber Room, 7:30 to 9:00, uh, there is the VNA Health Spring Breakfast. That is AM. The, uh, spring breakfast. Um, VNA provides these free health clinics to our incoming students. But this is a great event. There's an auction, there's breakfast, there's some speakers. It's it's a nice event. We went last year. Um, I got outbid on uh on a few things. So, but you buy some raffle tickets. It's a good time. Uh April 25th, uh Rogers Park, we have Family University. It'll be about healthy eating and living um at Rogers Park. And then April 30th at Broadview, uh we have a uh program uh called Hidden in Plain Sight about uh drug awareness at home and um helping parents start to identify uh the new look uh of drugs and vapes and all the things that uh we may not understand or or be aware of that um are contraband.
She asks thoughtful and engaging questions that deepen class discussions and demonstrate her genuine curiosity. Her attentive listening skills and close attention to instruction allow her to produce high quality work and continuously continuously grow as a learner. She exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated, responsible, and hardworking student. And she is a she's very deserving of this recognition. So, congratulations to Kaylee. Our sixth grade student of the month is Morgan Adams. >> Morgan, congratulations. >> The sixth grade team is nominating Morgan Adams for student of the month. Morgan is a kind and considerate young lady who always tries her best. Morgan works hard and engages in meaningful conversations. She is always considerate and works well with all of her peers. Congratulations. >> You guys stay up here. Yeah, that's awkward. Embarrassing. Our seventh grade student of the month is Colton Kmar. Colton is a standout student in seventh grade.
South Jersey Junior High Honors Band. [applause] Nora Kerber, South Jersey Junior High Honors Band. and Jacob Hillman for his third South Jersey Junior High Honors Band. A Rob Saxana for a second South Jersey Junior High Honors Band placement. [applause] >> That's everyone. Thank you. [applause] >> That's it. That's it. Awesome. Congratulations again to our Mustangs and dolphins for all those accomplishments. It's incredible. And to Miss Goldman, Mr. White for all their support. We are going to transition into next presentation. I think so. Anyone who came for the music part or uh and wants to stay is welcome to if you I mean not just that there's music practicing is a daily thing but if you would need to go someplace else for any other reason no hard feelings. Um we are so glad for the families that came out to see their students recognized. What's up?
They told us never [music] sign a blank form of paper. It's okay. Cuz they could scan my signature and put it on a credit card. [music] I don't trust you. Can you trust me? I trust you. >> We had health together. You trust me? You got to do the back, too. I just got punked. >> [laughter] >> Can you tell me a little bit about this picture? Uh this picture was taken on 1902. Field no Close. >> [music] >> 2005 2005 on field two. It's now called the Jackie Robinson Complex in Imperial Beach. It was then called Dodger Town. I was an all-star in 2004 and they thought I was going to be good enough to uh put in packs [music] and sets and all that. >> Look where you are now. Look at your beautiful Los Angeles I know, right? Can you do me a big favor?
March has also been a great month for the arts. Andrew's annual variety showcased five soldout performances in the Performing Arts Center. After months of preparation, our students took the stage with incredible talent featuring singing, dancing, and live music, making the 34th annual inter tremendous show a huge success. Our talented T-Bolts also won numerous place awards at the at Marine Valley Art Show and placed eight honorable mentions. In order to prepare the class of 2026 for success beyond high school, Andrew seniors experienced senior seminar on March 12th. First, Andrew seniors were able to receive more information regarding the finances of post-secary life with topics including credit scores, loans, and scholarships. Additionally, seniors were able to hear from VGA staff about their experiences with life after high school with pathways ranging from community college, the workforce, and 4-year universities. Finally, seniors heard from guidance counselors, health teachers, and our college and career center regarding the importance of maintaining healthy relationships and mental health.
Windham is outlining is just phenomenal. And we love our little kiddos everywhere, but the kids that attend White Oak really have a special place in our heart because we realize that by starting early learning and being so incredibly intentional about it and focused on it, that that we just reap the benefits of that throughout their school career with Avon. So, thank you so much for going through the process. Thank you for devoting your life to teaching students and being in charge of a building is a big responsibility, but can't wait to see the things that you'll do. Thank you. Mrs. Obradovich, welcome to our family and that's quite a process that you just went through and obviously you rose to the top among I'm sure many qualified applicants. Looking at your resume and your credentials, I was super impressed. And again, that you went through this entire process speaks to who you are as a person.