Laura Archer

This document serves as Pemberton Township High School's comprehensive Course of Studies, functioning as an educational roadmap for students. It outlines diverse academic opportunities, detailed graduation requirements, including credit attainment and FAFSA completion, and academic policies such as grade promotion, attendance, and credit recovery. The guide also highlights various special programs like Advanced Placement courses, the College Accelerated Program, and specialized academies (STEM, Medical Arts, and FAME) designed to support student interests and prepare them for college and careers. It further provides information on course planning, college preparation, and athletic eligibility standards.

This document pertains to the 17th Annual NEHS Induction Ceremony, where 32 fifth-grade students were inducted into the National Elementary Honors Society chapters across Bzanski, Dembo Kiton, and Fort Dixs. The ceremony included a review of the core membership qualities: scholarship, responsibility, service, and leadership, presented by inductee representatives. Key moments included the Pledge of Allegiance and the official induction ceremony where new members recited the Honor Society pledge. The principal emphasized the importance of continuing to uphold high standards and serving others as leaders.

Key discussions and actions included reviewing and approving board goals for 2026, including obtaining the Carol Larson Master Board Award. Administration items approved involved enrollment figures for November/December, HIB/SSDS reports through January 29, and intent to homeschool submissions. The Board approved curriculum for grades 6-12 (Physical Education, Spanish, Inquiry and Innovation), as well as K-12 field trips. Approvals were also given for a Nike community engagement partnership for the June Zest Fest and accepting the NJDOE Phone-Free Schools Grant for $14,991.50. In Special Services, actions covered approving 1:1 nursing services, CBI/SLE sites, ESS 1:1 aide services, fieldwork/practicum placements for university students, professional services from Gloucester County Special Services School District, home instruction tutoring, and several out-of-district placements for students with disabilities. Building discussions included approving professional development attendance, adding staff for late bus coverage, approving a therapy dog program at Newcomb, and recertification training for Handle With Care staff. The Board awarded the partial roof replacement bid for Fort Dix Elementary School to Pravco, Inc. for $2,149,687.00. Personnel actions included approving various staffing schedules, job description revisions, leaves of absence, new hires, resignations, retirements, and salary adjustments. Finance items involved approving monthly bills lists, Board Secretary's Reports, budget transfers, and cash reports, as well as submitting the 2025-2026 ESEA Grant Amendment #1.

The Work Session covered reports from committees and the Superintendent, including a review of Board Goals for 2026 concerning the Carol Larson Master Board Award, negotiation training, self-evaluation, and intra-Board communication review. The Administration section involved recommendations for approvals related to enrollment, HIB/SSDS statistics, and Intent to Homeschool submissions. Curriculum discussions included approving curriculum for grades 6-12 (Physical Education, Spanish, Inquiry and Innovation), approving several field trips, and accepting the NJDOE Phone-Free Schools Grant for $14,991.50. Other significant approvals involved the Pemberton Township Schools 5-Year Curriculum Plan and professional development for staff members. The Special Services section included approving 1:1 nursing care, CBI/SLE sites, utilization of ESS for 1:1 aide services when necessary, fieldwork/practicum placements for university students, and various out-of-district placements. The Buildings section addressed staff training for Black Seal License certification, a new Therapy Dog Program at Newcomb, and staff recertification for Handle With Care training. Financial matters included approving bills lists from December 2025 and January 2026, budget transfers, cash reports, and the submission of the ESEA Grant Amendment #1. Personnel actions covered approval of revised job descriptions, new hires, resignations, retirements, and various stipends and schedules. The Board also entered and exited Executive Session to discuss matters exempted from public disclosure, primarily related to personnel and potential litigation/contracts.

The meeting was called to order and the organization of the Board of Education commenced with the announcement of election results and the administration of the oath of office to newly elected and seated members. The Board proceeded with the election of officers, resulting in the appointment of Lionel Lee as President and Sheri Lowery as Vice President. Key agenda items included the reading of the Annual Code of Ethics, the establishment of committee assignments, and a brief public participation session where one resident addressed concerns regarding a solar field not on school property. Reorganization designations were approved, including the annual meeting notice, designation of the official newspaper, re-adoption of the chart of accounts, bank depositories, and 403(b)/457(b) providers. Routine matters of reorganization were re-adopted, covering existing policies, bylaws, regulations, curriculum, textbooks, and granting authority to the Superintendent and Business Administrator for contractual and bill payments between meetings. Numerous administrative appointments were approved, including the Board Secretary, Custodian of Records, Compliance Officers (ADA/504, Public Agency), Title IX Coordinator, and various other liaisons and coordinators. The meeting concluded after brief board comments and adjournment.