One of the topics during the meeting was the collaboration with Hackensack University Medical Center, which aims to offer students interested in health professions a chance to gain hands-on experience. This initiative emerged from discussions with student council members who expressed a strong interest in health-related careers. Initial plans include organizing visits to the hospital for juniors and seniors, with potential internship placements in the future. The superintendent expressed enthusiasm for the rapid progress in establishing these opportunities, emphasizing the potential for students to gain valuable insights into the healthcare field.

Equally noteworthy was the discussion surrounding the Esports program, which has transitioned from a casual club to a competitive team participating in state playoffs. The program’s growing popularity has led to plans for its inclusion in the curriculum, with considerations for partnerships that could bring content creation and game design into classroom settings. This development aligns with the district’s efforts to provide diverse extracurricular activities that resonate with student interests and future career paths.

In tandem with these initiatives, the board also addressed the transition to standards-based report cards, which had been discussed in three prior meetings. The transition aims to provide clearer insights into student progress and areas needing improvement. Dr. Jabona added relevant materials to the school’s website to facilitate better understanding among parents, encouraging them to bring any questions to upcoming parent conferences. Attendance at these informational sessions was reportedly strong.

The meeting also served as a platform to commend various community contributions and achievements. For instance, Lincoln Middle School’s successful fundraising event raised $18,500, earmarked for acquiring a new projector and screen for the gymnasium. Similarly, the board acknowledged Lincoln School’s holiday spirit wear fundraiser and Jefferson School’s no-cook fundraiser, both designed to support school initiatives.

Additionally, there was a focus on recognizing student achievements and community involvement. The board acknowledged the undefeated season of the Lincoln Middle School boys’ soccer team and celebrated the accomplishments of Zoe Mogan, a local resident who earned her Girl Scouts silver award by creating a butterfly garden. A call was made to increase the recognition of students, faculty, and community members at future meetings, fostering a culture of appreciation and motivation.

The board also discussed the Connect for Freedom initiative, a New Jersey Department of Education mandate aimed at enhancing personal and online safety for K-12 students.

Committee reports provided updates on financial matters, noting that the high school’s remaining funds from a referendum amounted to approximately $359,000, with options to distribute funds across different schools as needed. A donation of cameras valued at $500 for the high school broadcasting class was also accepted, highlighting community support for educational resources.