FRHSD set for ’05-06
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer

Freshmen who are beginning their high school journey will report for orientation at the six schools in the Freehold Regional High School District on Sept. 6.

All students will report to school on Sept. 8.

The district serves students from Colts Neck, Englishtown, Farmingdale, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Howell, Manalapan and Marlboro, and operates high schools in all of the communities except for Farmingdale and Englishtown.

The district’s total enrollment in September 2004 was about 11,470 students. The estimated enrollment for opening day 2005 is 11,700.

“I welcome both our new and returning students and families to another exciting school year,” Superintendent of Schools James Wasser said. “Administrative staff have been very busy this summer reviewing and enhancing the scope and depth of the services and programs offered at our six high schools.”

Focusing in on school security initiatives, Wasser said it is unfortunate there is a need to devote so much attention to security, but current events have required administrators to take new measures which include the installation of security cameras at each school and closely monitoring all visitors.

“The safety of our students and staff remain our No. 1 priority,” Wasser said.

Wasser reminded students of the cell phone/camera policy that is in effect at all FRHSD buildings. The district prohibits the use of cell phones and other remotely activated or activating communication devices in school buildings during instructional hours.

Students are permitted to carry and use cell phones before and after school, but all devices must be turned off and kept out of sight during the instructional day. Cameras, and cell phones with cameras are banned from school property at all times.

In personnel news, Linda Jewell has taken over the principal’s job at Freehold High School, the building from which she graduated in 1968. Jewell was most recently the principal at Jackson Memorial High School in Ocean County. Jewell previously worked in the FRHSD as a substance awareness coordinator, a supervisor of extracurricular activities and an assistant principal.

John Schollenberger, assistant principal, and Marion Conrad, math supervisor, both formerly of Jackson Memorial High School, will join Jewell at Freehold.

Cynthia Baumgartner, the former English supervisor at Freehold Township High School, will become an assistant principal at Marlboro High School.

Jacqueline Thomas, a former Freehold Township guidance supervisor, will become an assistant principal at that school.

Kenneth Baum has moved from Marlboro High School to Howell High School as an assistant principal.

Important dates to not for the 2005-06 school year include: Sept. 21, Back to School Night, 7-9 p.m. at all six schools; Oct. 4, 5 and 13, schools closed; Oct. 6-25, Academy/Learning Center Open House; Oct. 19 and Nov. 7, fall parent-teacher conferences; and Oct. 27, College and Career Night at Freehold High School, 6-9 p.m.

The FRHSD Board of Education generally meets twice each month at 8 p.m. Board meetings will be held Sept. 12 at Howell High School; Oct. 10 and Oct. 24 at the FRHSD administration building in Englishtown; Nov. 7 at Manalapan High School; Nov. 21 in Englishtown; Dec. 12 at Marlboro High School; Jan. 9 and Jan. 23 in Englishtown; Feb. 6 at Freehold Township High School; Feb. 27 in Englishtown; March 13 at Freehold High School, Freehold Borough; March 27 in Englishtown (public hearing on the 2006-07 budget); April 17 in Englishtown; and May 1 in Englishtown (school board reorganization).