All in favor? >> I. >> Excellent. Okay, so that is done. Um, and I think that's all we have on the agenda for today. Okay. Do we have anything else we want to talk about guys or is >> I would just like to say to uh Mike and uh Angela, you've did a fabulous job and you know over the times we have been through uh a lot of stresses and pain but you have making it very clear and I want to just say thank you. >> Thank you Miss Cooper. Much appreciated. Excellent. Okay. Well, with that and Mike, you'll get us the updated um amounts on the spend down. >> Yes. Whenever you get >> I think Kate had something as well. >> Okay. You have a question? Yeah. Go ahead. >> Sorry to interrupt. I just wanted to check in about the non-lapsing account.
For that, I thank the Flyers for all of the memorable memories you guys have given me. >> [snorts] >> We all found the right people or one person to have had by our sides that pushed, motivated, and even just listened to us, which made our days even just a bit brighter. Today, I stand here most proud of what kept me going through all the overwhelming moments of high school. My parents, like so many others, came to the US to give me the educational opportunities that they never had. For that, I want not only my own parents to know that they are appreciated, but all of our parents to know that they are appreciated for their sacrifices and hard work that led us to build our foundations of success. That being said, we all took our different paths to get >> [applause] >> We all took our different paths to get to the same point of graduation today.
quote This reminds us of the importance of taking inventory of our lives, taking time to reflect on blessings, and thanking those around us that support us. Although your name's on the diploma, I want you to acknowledge the village behind you. And as you can see by looking around, that support system is vast and runs deep. it means to be a human in today's world. My wish for all of you is that you embody the values of gratitude, love, integrity, humility, equity, and pay it forward as you continue on your journey. I hope that during your time with us, all of you experience these values at one point or another and learned what it means to be part of a community. As M so eloquently just stated, remembering that being part of a community comes with a social responsibility to positively contribute to it. The philosopher Aristotle once said, "We are what we prayed to do.
June 4th at 6 PM will be our academic award at the Cascade Theater. We will be celebrating the great accomplishments of our students over the course of this academic year. And at 7:30 p.m., the class of 2026 graduation ceremony scholarship and scholarship award at June 9th to the 25th, 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, we are hosting new Texas summer school for student academic success. Um, I want to take a moment and thank you guys for giving me the opportunity to speak at these board meetings. It has meant so much to me to have a voice and represent the students at my school. Thank you for supporting New Tech and continuing to invest in our schools and also want to give a special thank you to Miss Mc Williams, Miss Heisle, and Miss Savage who continue to work with me and are encouraging me throughout this experience.
Creating a more appropriate environment is paramount for these students. And it is on the district to make sure that happens this summer. Sadly, when I practiced this speech in front of my 9-year-old, he stood up and clapped. That part was great, but he also said, "You know, if the district does this, those kids will be less sad and I'll be less scared." Let's make the kids of Hooker Oak less sad and less scared. Thank you. Thank you. All right. You guys swapped spots. Okay. So, uh our next speaker is uh I feel like I'm not going to say this correctly. Naseer? Here? Nasar? Nasser? Aba? I'm not going to even You have a You both have a spot if you'd like one as well. You both had Teresa. Okay, you're good. Okay. All right. Okay, I understand. All right. So, Naseer is not here? Okay.
Um LM and O that I'll get to. They are not things that we use on a regular basis. It's just if we need additional um evaluations or things of that, consultations, things like that. But we approve their general services contract every year. N is to approve um to acknowledge settlement of the matter identified as um the docket number which was negotiated and executed by the New Jersey School Insurance Group on behalf of the board. O is to approve the 2627 Burlington County Special Services School District Professional Services contract. P is just to approve a list of 2627 contracted outside consultants for some of the things that the child study team needs. We do this every year. Um, and that's it.
Leo Leona always puts students first. Whether she's advocating for a child, collaborating with colleagues, or finding creative ways to meet individual needs, her decisions are always grounded in what is best for her students. Her classroom is a place where children children feel safe, valued, challenged, and celebrated. In addition to her impact on students, Mrs. Stanton has mentored and inspired numerous staff members over the years, myself included. Her guidance, wisdom, and steady presence have helped shape the practice of many educators in this district. She leads not through recognition or praise, but through quiet, consistency, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to do what is right for kids. Mrs. Stanton represents the very best of education. She embodies professionalism, compassion, dedication, and excellence. This recognition as governor's governor's teacher of the year is not only welld deserved, but a reflection of the profound difference she has made in the lives of so many.
Through engaging instruction, students develop meaningful connections between language, culture, and their own experiences. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Abd has dedicated years to the Bound Brook soccer program, including 9 years as varsity soccer coach. He also advises student organizations, mentors colleagues, and supports school-wide initiatives. His leadership, innovation, and commitment make him a highly deserving Teacher of the Year candidate. Congratulations, Pierre. >> [applause] [applause] >> And our educational specialist of the year is Kristen De Portier. Nurse Kristen. She proudly serves the high school nurse bringing experience from both school and hospital settings to support student physical, mental, and emotional well-being. A graduate of Baumberg High School, she is dedicated to giving back to the community that shaped her. Ms. De Portier combines evidence-based adolescent care with a compassionate, holistic approach while maintaining experience in emergency and cardiac care through her hospital work. She collaborates closely with families, staff, and community resources to ensure students receive comprehensive support.
Um, so that's the only thing. So that's when you don't >> Yeah, the trips on the 29th. >> So it's a membership to UK and then the trips are those extra >> Yeah. >> You've always done that. >> Yeah. And they they usually are noted on here. I've noticed in the past I think it was just probably we have the sending district enrichment convocation where that one is the non-applicable parents provide transportation. >> So my guess would be that it's it just got copied because they both are called convocations and it's quite confusing. >> Okay. >> So can we approve it as is? >> Yes. I mean I know the cost >> yeah it it does have a cost associated though >> it's 110 per student >> but it's paid for >> it's build to the schools >> you pay for membership >> yes >> and then they >> but each trip is >> yeah each trip is build >> is priced out and built >> the comes and picks all the kids up.
throughout the week. She also single-handedly organized and ran our school readathon and raised over $6,000. Wow. >> As if that were not enough, she was also featured on the Today's Show as the president-elect of the New Jersey State School Librarian Association, a true reflection of the respect she has earned in her profession. Keep in mind this young lady accomplished all this in six months. I just amazing. >> Ivette's favorite words are, "I have an idea." And when she has an idea, she brings it to life with passion, creativity, and determination. She never does anything halfway, and her enthusiasm inspires everyone around her. I always tell her she has a wonderful husband and I have to acknowledge him Garen because he supports her dreams and understands the incredible passion she has for education and for the children of Cliffside Park. Evth we are blessed to have you at school 3.
Give a special shout out for Mr. Maningo. He is leaving us. Let's give him a big round of applause. >> [applause] >> Mr. Maningo, thank you so much for these four years of dedication. Families, your support and caring was critical and and we see so many of the families right now. I I know I can't name all of you, but I see the love this family right here. I see the Sandoval up there. I see the Morenos. They're the same earlier right there. Great families. All of you guys are great families. This kid is very special. She You all are special. Special recognition today, but I want to give a special shout out. It's her birthday. She's turning 29 today. Give it up for Miss Emma Vasquez. Miss Vasquez, where are >> [applause] >> You exceeded the expectations. Most importantly, graduates, you did the hard work and brought the energy and enthusiasm every single day.
Don't be scared. Go ahead and stand. I know how it feels. And although immigrants and their contributions are often undermined, dismissed, and too often painted as villains, I hope today serves as a reminder of who they truly are. They are raising the next generation of workers, your teachers, your leaders, your change makers, your doctors. And whether this country recognizes it enough or not, their sacrifices are shaping the future sitting in front of you today. Thank you. Good evening families, friends, faculty, teachers, and most importantly the class of 2026. Hi, my name is Lena and I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity opportunity to speak in front of all you on this day that resembles our achievements over the past four years. I remember sitting in those bleachers four years ago, praying for the day to come where I can sit down here. Now that the day has come, I really don't want this to end.
Their commitment and enthusiasm is a true reflection of the many great things we've seen from the class of 2026. I am honored to introduce the first of these two amazing speakers. Please join me in welcoming our student body president, Miss Fedra Hulet. >> Good evening, everyone. I'm your student body president, Fedra Hulet. My family always told me how fast high school is going to fly by. We walked on campus as small freshman, and before I knew it, I had a semester left until I graduated. Suddenly, I stopped missing class. Sorry, mom and dad. Went to every after school event, made many new friends, and really took in the moments that I used to overlook. That shift reminded me of something important. Life isn't just something that happens to you. It's something that comes from you and that you have to be present for. It's easy to get caught up in what's next.
I [music] remember >> [music] >> have >> [music] >> Some for some remain [singing and music] [music] lose affection [singing] for people and things that went before I [music] think about them in my [singing and music] life. In my heart [singing] you [music and singing] love you. [music] I love you more. [singing] I love [music] you more. I love [singing and music] you more. I love you more. [applause] Thank you. That was beautiful. One of the most important responsibilities a public school has is to promote academic education and insist upon excellence. Apollo High School confirms its highest academic honors on students in the top 1% of the graduating class. I am pleased to present five students who hold the highest academic ranking for this graduating class of 2026. These students will be graduating tonight with highest distinction. Please stand as I call your name. Cherylyn Diaz Belchron, [cheering] Angel Ortiz, Jacob Pena, Alma Frisado Rodriguez, Benjamin Zah.
That's what our June 3rd meeting is about. So, then what if you don't mind? So, what are the logistics for that because they typically start at 7:00? We have a select board meeting that night. So, does it have to happen at the high school? Um do we start it there and then adjourn back to town hall? Do we do something with our select board meeting there? I mean, have we thought about how we're going to We have to have a quorum operationally. We have to have a quorum of 25. So, wondering what has been thought of for that. And And Catherine, please chime in if I if I misspoke. But, uh we had intended on having this at the high school um at the auditorium at 7:00 p.m. Um I believe our next regular select board meeting is scheduled for June 17th. Yeah. Um we can certainly use June 3rd as an opportunity you know, for any kind of business that needs to happen I was not aware of that.
Uh always always great if you can limit the amount of atbats a team gets against you. So, we'll see what Nico can do here in the top of the second. Uh they do have that one- nothing lead, which is always important. They got that first run across. So, let's hope they can keep things rolling here with some good defense, good pitching uh in the second. >> An 18 pitch first for >> Rousaris >> as Granada will dig in. She's batting 171 on the season. >> Sophomore catcher. >> Definitely got a lot on her plate. >> Now, >> that one is upstairs for ball one. >> Again, it's a confidence thing when you when you're when you're in the circle, too. So, we want Nico to be able to make sure she can stay positive with herself and get that ball over. again, let her defense do the job.
And have you does minute did you let Maniya's spell out the way into >> yep, that was the first Cuz I was We could do that too. And then our other some of our schools aren't air conditioned. Do you know what I mean? Our other what? Some of our schools don't have air conditioning. Do you know what I mean? Parts of the building, so I mean these hot days are going to be Especially at the middle school, high school are tough. Mhm. Yeah, we are pretty well >> Middle school's doing really good. The high school gets a little warm on the second floor. >> Yeah, um every rooms do have window air air units which don't cool to the level that we would love, but it does take take the edge off of Yeah. Bodies are hot and kids are in and out, so the door's open a lot.
>> Okay. >> Just wondering where things stand on that. >> Yes, we we have not made the transfer yet. >> Okay. Are we planning to do that at the end of the year? I know that there was some Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you, Mike. >> Yes. >> Okay, great. Uh, do you think it'll be done by our last finance meeting, do you think, or is that something we can review when we come back in September? >> Um, no, I think it could be done by then. Yep. >> Okay, perfect. >> I just want to make sure I have all the backup so that when it gets transferred, we have the backup and the journal entries and all that stuff for it. >> Yep. No worries. Okay. Anything else? Any other questions, comments for our finance team? No. All right. This was an easy meeting.
And with that said, always love yours because there's really no life that's better than yours and the one we will all continue to create outside of high school. Congratulations, class of 2026. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Thank you, Kimberly. Now, it is time for the presentation of the class 2026 class gift. It is my pleasure to introduce the senior class president, Rachel Montes, for the presentation of the senior gift. Good afternoon, friends, family, and the class of 2026. It is my pleasure to present the gift of freshman shirts to next year's ASB president, Joanna No. On behalf of our future Lo-Ellen students, I want to accept this gift from the class of 2026. Thank you, Saxons, for all your hard work and I want to congratulate you all for coming this far. Thank you. I would like to introduce Mr. Brown. All right, thank you, Joanna.
Excellence then is not an act. But it's a habit. Your life will have plenty of opportunities for success and many different ways to achieve that success. But remember that what is truly important is how you live with that success. staying true to yourself and living [snorting] a life with purpose. When we stay true to who we are and have a clear purpose, we become more powerful than we could ever imagine. Class of 2026, before I let you go, I did promise I leave you with one last quote. Don't worry, it's not an ancient philosopher this time. It's actually from a Drake song. I had to put that in there. Always remember you didn't come this far just to come this far and not be happy. All right. [ovation][applause] All right. Thank you for indulging me one last time. I'm going to miss you all dearly.