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By: Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – On a bright Tuesday morning, the table was set for the ribbon cutting of the Rose M. Lopez Dual Language Elementary School, 435 Seaman Ave. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vivian Rodriguez was Master of Ceremonies. She thanked everyone for coming. 

Superintendent Dr. David Roman came up to speak, “This school is for beautiful spaces. We have a robust bilingual program. We are a celebrated district. This symbolizes the realization and expression of dreams. It’s important at a time where this nation struggles with inclusiveness. This school exemplifies what we have to offer. It shines the light where our student voices can be heard. Perth Amboy has the only two standalone Dual Language Schools. The Rose M. Lopez School stands as an example to the State. This is the birth of an idea that has come together for a purpose. We’re committed for the new High School to open up in summer 2024.”

Acting Chair of the SDA (School Development Authority) Manuel Da Silva came up to speak next. “What a wonderful day here in Perth Amboy. I’ve had the privilege of opening 4 schools myself. Millions benefit from schools built by the SDA since its inception. This $56.4 million school addresses overcrowding needs. This effort will continue with the new PAHS. I want to thank Governor Murphy and his administration. This (building schools) also creates jobs for New Jersey’s construction industry. This is a great day for Perth Amboy, honoring Rose M. Lopez.”

Board of Education President Ken Puccio spoke next, “Ten years ago, this district was down here. We have grown by leaps and bounds. We’re a lighthouse district. Our graduation rate has improved immensely. We’re lucky the SDA ahs invested around a half billion dollars in Perth Amboy. Ms. Lopez was an advocate for our kids and the community. I want to thank Dr. Roman and the past and present Board of Education Members.”

Board of Education Vice President Tashi Vasquez spoke next. “Perth Amboy is a City of Firsts. Ms. Lopez is one of them. When I was in the Fourth Grade, I had the privilege to be in the first New Jersey Public School to use uniforms: PS-5. Ms. Lopez back in 1989. This school is more than just a building – it’s a community. The boys and girls attending this school will be promoters of change and our future leaders.” Vasquez thanked everyone who made this day possible.

Mayor Wilda Diaz spoke next. She began by thanking everyone. “You have created something special. It’s the first Dual Language School in the State of New Jersey. I remember her (Ms. Lopez) as a teacher. Her Saturday Morning Family School Programs enriched the lives of many families and children. As we stand here hand in hand and build a community together. I thank the SDA for investing in our City.”

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin spoke next, “There is a lot of thanks to go around. $56 million from the State is money well invested. There will be an incredible education for generations of students to come. I believe public school education is the backbone of the students of this great country.”

Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez spoke next, “I’m a proud product of Perth Amboy’s school system. I worked with Ms. Lopez at E. J. Patten School and the Saturday Morning Family School. I remember Mrs. Lopez. She would be proud of a dual language public school.”

Edwin Nieves, Principal of the Rose M. Lopez School came up to speak next. “It’s an honor to be Principal of the Rose M. Lopez School. There’s something special taking place here. It’s super special as a parent and a grandparent. This marks the end of the journey. For all of us, we’re here in the one moment. There’s 600+ people in here to come only as we work as a team. The hope is in that building. We’re not teaching kids as they did 100+ years ago. Learning spaces (here) are designed to teach kids how to think and collaborate. They are our future leaders. I’ve never met Rose M. Lopez. Now, after six months, she came to me in ways, what we believe in. These students are our future.”

Rose M. Lopez’s husband came up to speak next and was greeted with a standing ovation. He thanked everyone. “Now, I have a place to put all of Rose’s trophies and plaques. I created a collage (of Rose’s accomplishments). President Lyndon B. Johnson was a teacher who first worked with Mexican students. In the 1960’s the Bilingual Program was one year which the following year became the Dual Language Program. Ralph Gunn was Director of the Bilingual Program and he set requirements of what being a bilingual teacher in New Jersey is. Rose went in Lakewood, New Jersey and began the first bilingual (Spanish/English) there. Every time Rose went to apply for a job, she brought a nun with her. Because of Rose’s time in Lakewood, she became Bilingual Director in Lakewood, Patterson, and Elizabeth. In 1977, Rose learned there was a job in Middlesex County. She brought a Roman Catholic nun with her. Rose got the job. In 1982 she was working with Dr. Kearny. Rose came into an interview as Principal in New Jersey with a nun. She came home and said I got a job with Frank Sinatra (referring to the Former Superintendent of Schools in Perth Amboy). I thought at first (the singer). You see, Rose was a trained musician. Her school was pre-Julliard. Because of her love of music, we went to many concerts. “It’s not that Frank Sinatra,” she said. Rose gave her heart, body, and soul to the children of Perth Amboy. She came to work at 7 a.m. I used to run sometimes for miles. I made friends with the owner of the Brass Rail in Matawan and the Red Paint Diner. Both got to know Rose and came to her funeral. When she spoke of the Saturday Morning Family School, she said, “It’s my school.””

Lopez continued, “She played in church. A musician, she was once a music therapist in the psychiatric wing of Belview Hospital. She could not stand the sadness, so she stopped going. Rose was an excellent typist and was once secretary for Peter Jennings (Commentator for ABC News).”

Lopez, now in tears spoke of the children’s book, “Something Special for Me,” by Vera Williams. “The book mimics Rose’s life. There was a man on the street with an accordion. Rose played the accordion. I would like to give the schools Rose’s accordion, plus 25 plaques of Rose’s awards. Vera lived in Washington Heights. The accordion is a delicate instrument. IN January 1998, many people didn’t know Rose was sick. At her retirement dinner, she was in incredible pain. “Smile” by Charlie Chaplain was her favorite song. In January 1998, she was playing the accordion. “Joe, I can’t hold it any longer,” she said. She put the accordion on a stool. On the last day of her retirement, I had secretly made arrangements that the JROTC go to the Elementary School and blow their whistles just like a Captain leaving his ship. The Cadets whistled as she walked out of school, but she walked back in, “I’m not finished,” she said, referring to helping out the new Principal. There are a lot of stories.”

After Jose Lopez spoke, there was a plaque unveiling and the ribbon cutting. The Rose M. Lopez School has officially opened.