PERTH AMBOY – NJSLA 2019 Perfect Scores: Ewdy Ortega (5) (McGinnis School); Kamilah Hernandez (5) William Ortiz (5) Nicolle Ferraz Silva (5) Evelyn Hernandez Chico (7) (Shull School); Kimberly Vazquez Chico (7); Angel Antonio Robles (7) (Dual Language School); Daniel Jose Acosta (8); Yadhira Milagros Mercado Moreto (8) (McGinnis School); Gerry Alexis Frialda (8) Anna Kodak (8) (Shull School); Rachel A. Iglesia (9); Joshua Preza (9) (Freshman Academy); Paulina Castro (11); Jaylyn Murillo (11); Jirandy Taveras (11); Azmuneer Watkins(12) (Perth Amboy High School)
Advanced Placement Assessments – 2019 – High Achievement – Level 5 – Calculus AB & World History; Dahian Grullon (12) (Perth Amboy High School); Calculus AB – Alexander Barrios (12); Andrea Febres (12); Lesley Garcia (12); Patrick Ponce (12); Bryan Rosario (12); Alan Villegas (12) (Perth Amboy High School); Spanish Language and Culture – Eymi Liberata (11) Willenia Melendez (12); Vanessa Rodriguez (12); Karla Urena (12); Rubelina Vargas Roca (12); Anahi Xochimitl (12) (Perth Amboy High School); United States Government & Politics – Cesar Romero (12) (Perth Amboy High School)
Note that there were other students recognized that took NJSLA and the AP exam in 2019 as Seniors achieving a perfect score or a 5 (on the AP Exam) but have since graduated.
*Photos by Katherine Massopust
High Achievement Level 5 Recognized
11/21/19 Board of Education Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vivian Rodriguez, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Damian Medina, and Supervisor of English Language Arts Ms. Jessica Urban recognized all the students who received a perfect score on the 2019 NJSLA (New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (replacing the PARCC)) and 2019 AP (Advanced Placement) Achievement Tests.
Dr. Rodriguez explained, “The NJSLA was given to students from grades 3-10. All students have to take the same assessment and every district receives the scores back. We are able to see our brightest stars tonight. We are here to recognize these students.” Dr. Rodriguez then explained that the AP exams are college level courses taken at an advanced level in High School. Depending on your score, you can receive college credit or placement. Students that received a 5 were recognized. “Congratulations. You’ve done a great, great job!” stated Dr. Rodriguez.
The Board went into closed session at 6:18 p.m. and returned at 7:52 p.m.
No one spoke at the public portion on agenda items only.
Board Vice-President Tashi Vasquez wished everyone a blessed holiday season. She mentioned the Winter Wonderland which will be on Smith Street on November 30th and on the Taste of Perth Amboy which will be on December 3rd.
Superintendent Dr. David Roman said there was a problem at McGinnis School due to a water main break on Market Street. The students were given a fire lunch, which is monitored by the Police and Fire Departments and students and staff were given an early dismissal. “I would like to thank the parents and staff and to assure that the students were safe.”
During the Business Portion of the Meeting, the subject of need for PreK was discussed. Board Member Junior Iglesia asked, “What is the total enrollment in the 2020 program?”
Dr. Damian Median was brought up to answer the question, “We are filled up to capacity. Currently we have 5 providers. These are preliminary numbers. As far as preschool, approximately 1100 students are currently enrolled in our buildings. We anticipate for that number to continue to grow.”
Iglesia then asked, “Budget wise?”
Board Secretary Derek Jess answered: approximately $25,800,000. Up $2 million for this year. Based on a per pupil level for 2008-2009 school year. The Department of Education has not increased the money the district funding itself.”
Board Member Igelsia later stated that he was thankful to the SDA (School Development Authority) for the construction of the new high school. “It’s important to the accountability of the taxpayers to question what items is the SDA not responsible for? What are these funds being utilized for?”
Board Secretary Derek Jess answered Iglesia, “The SDA accepted bids for the new high school. Bids were for terminal construction. $240 million to be signed by the governor. If the governor does not veto it (in time), we will proceed with the construction. The SDA has money, but they are no longer purchasing land. That is why we purchased Seaman Avenue and the Delaney Homes. It’s for emergencies and add an additional amount for emergencies.
Dr. Jessica Neu came up to speak about inclusiveness in sports, “The Special Olympics changed their policy on inclusive sports for students. It’s the first unified track team for students with or without disabilities. There is unification of basketball and we will play other teams (with unification).
Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe spoke about the contract with the Perth Amboy Federation which is still not resolved. “If we could just get the contract closed.”
It was Board Member Randy Convery’s last meeting. He had declined to run for office again due to getting a job in another school district.
Board Member Lissette Lebron thanked Convery for his service, “I’m proud to have served with you.”
Convery stated, “It’s hard to believe how quick something happens. Every student that walks into this door. I’ll definitely miss you all. Thank you all very much.”
Convery was presented with a plaque for his service and dedication to the Board.
Board Member Junior Iglesia (who just won reelection) congratulated Tashi Vasquez, Dr. Danielle Brown and Maria Rodriguez for winning the election. “The voters who came out and supported me – I appreciate what you do. We are moving forward, and I thank all the organizers who endorsed me. We will continue to move the district closer to exemplary status. I will not let you down. Thank you, Perth Amboy.”
Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe thanked the staff of McGinnis School, “I’m glad to see all the communications going back and forth. I want to thank them as well. I want to thank Millie and Dr. Roman for all the emails.”
Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe commented that it is the last Board Meeting of this year and that the previous Board Meeting was not on PATV on demand.
Dr. David Roman remarked that there were some issues with Ch. 34 (Fios 47) and that Brian Wilson would get back to her.
During the public portion, Wilfredo Soto was the sole speaker. He congratulated the students who were recognized for their achievements. “The people of Perth Amboy spoke loudly, and every school had accomplishments. God Bless. My prayers are with you.”
Soto then turned the subject to his wife, who was dismissed as a substitute teacher. “My wife was a substitute teacher for many years. What she found out – they took her out of the district. She found out that some student from Shull School complained. My wife knew what an educator does. She has lupus and hadb a kidney transplant. The student complained. They didn’t want her there. She sent a letter to Dr. Rodriguez. A lot of principals fought for her. Will they ever reinstate her?” Soto then added, “I want to take this opportunity to thank the school district for what they’ve done.”
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Board Members Dr. Danielle Brown and Ken Puccio were not present.
PERTH AMBOY – Board Member Randy Convery (center with plaque) attended his last meeting on the Board of Education. Convery declined to run for the BOE after his term was up because he had accepted a position in another school district. (LtoR) Board Members Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe, Anton J. Massopust, Lissette Lebron, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vivian Rodriguez, Board Members Junior Iglesia, Randy Convery, Superintendent Dr. David Roman, Board VP Tashi Vasquez, Board Member Jesus Martinez, Assistant Superintendent Delvis Rodriguez.
