Freehold Regional cracks
10,000 student plateau
6 area high schools
ready to welcome
most students ever
By dave benjamin
Staff Writer

Enrollment in the six-school Freehold Regional High School District will surpass 10,000 students for the first time when the 2002-03 school years begins on Sept. 4.

The district operates high schools in Colts Neck, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Howell, Manalapan and Marl-boro. Those six towns, along with Englishtown and Farmingdale, make up the FRHSD.

According to Superintendent of Schools James Wasser, approximately 10,600 students — an increase of more than 800 students since September 2001 — will answer the opening bell next week.

"We’re ready to go and looking forward to a great year," Wasser said. "As a school district, we face the challenge of increasing student enrollment each year. I know, however, that the spirit of our young people will inspire all of us, board members, teachers, parents and the staff, to do the right thing and work cooperatively on their behalf."

According to the 2002-03 school year calendar, some significant dates include:

• Back to School Night, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m., where families will have an opportunity to meet teachers and hear an overview of the work which will be covered during the school year.

• College and Career Night, Oct. 17, 7:30-9:30 p.m., which will be held in the gymnasium at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft. It is expected that College Career Night will feature more than 160 colleges, universities and vocational and technical schools. Families of upperclassmen at all six high schools in the district are invited to attend.

• Parent-teacher conferences will be held on Oct. 16 and Nov. 12-13. On these evenings, parents will have an opportunity to speak with teachers about an individual student’s performance. There will be early dismissal for students on these days.

State standardized testing will take place Oct. 1-3. Final examinations will take place on the mornings of June 13, 16, 17 and 18, with makeup exams to be held on June 19.

Students who need help choosing a college or career this year can access CHOICES from their home computer. The software program is available to all students in the district.

Designed to assist students in making a determination of academic interests, search higher education, explore scholarship opportunities or career paths, the CHOICES program can be accessed through the district’s Web site (www.frhsd.com). Students will need a password that can be obtained from their guidance department.

The new Junior ROTC program will swing into action at Colts Neck High School.

"This September we welcome the Junior ROTC students to the Colts Neck family," said Principal Wayne McChesney. "This program is off to a great start."

He noted that this year will be the first class of sophomores for the still-new Global Languages and World Cultures Learning Center.

McChesney said an expansion project has been completed, bringing the school’s capacity to 1,700 students.

"We’re looking forward to a great year in academics and athletics at Colts Neck," he said.

Around the region, other principals were preparing to welcome back students and staff.

Howell High School Principal Barbara McMorrow said, "Our hallways and classrooms will soon be filled with students and teachers returning to the Home of the Rebels and ready to achieve goals they’ve set for the 2002-03 school year. It is important for our students to know that they can make a difference in the world, and to work to the best of their abilities. These years in high school will prepare them for their future roles in society."

At Freehold Township High School, Principal Dr. Anthony Procopio said, "We’re looking to the best year ever. Construction is behind us and Freehold Township opens with a new classroom wing, science labs, gymnasium and cafeteria. We welcome new students, parents and teachers to the Patriot family and hope that all work together to provide a smooth transition to high school."

Students from Howell attend the six schools in the Freehold Regional High School District.