Press Release
PERTH AMBOY – Many of us reflect on our middle school experiences as a time of transformation. For most, this transformation is full of memories, both positive and negative. At Samuel E. Shull Middle School in Perth Amboy, the faculty has made some bold moves to create a positive middle school experience for their students.

Under the guidance of our principal, Mr. Michael Heidelberg, and the school leadership team, the school has undergone a dynamic transformation with the implementation of a “House Model” over the past two years. The model is based on the theory that smaller learning communities create a more personalized environment for teaching and learning.  The 1400 students are divided up into four houses: Leopards, Tigers, Cheetahs, and Lions. Thus, the large populated middle school has come to be operated as four schools of 400 students within one school.

The transformation plan has been paying off for the school.  School activities centered around the Houses have instilled a spirited learning climate within the building.   Shull was recently identified as a Title I School that supports learning via the use of technology by the New Jersey Department of Education Title I Office in partnership with the Consortium for School Networking (COSN) for its 1:1 classroom technology initiative in support of their implementation of the Common Core State Standards, as well school wide-efforts to ensure preparedness for the PARCC Assessments.

The Shull HOUSE pride will be celebrated on Wednesday evening, as the HOUSES will compete in the Second “Shullympics” events hosted by a group of teachers referred to as The Den.  Students will join together to strengthen the entire school community with some friendly, but spirited, competition.  Qualifying students, chosen by each House will compete in a variety of events to test their knowledge, strength and team spirit.

The “Shullympics” will be held on the evening of April 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Perth Amboy High School Gym.  The entire school is invited to attend, along with their parents and community members, to support our participants as they compete in a battle of the houses.  With the help of the PTO and the efforts within each of the houses, refreshments and spirit items will be sold throughout the night.  We’re looking forward to another great turnout full of Shull School pride!