Summit Scoop
A monthly District newsletter
Issue #6 February 2024
Summit Scoop is a monthly newsletter for families and staff members in the Summit Public School District. Summit Scoop features stories of student achievement, events in the District, and positive news around the school community! The newsletter will be sent out on the last Thursday of the month. You can find an archive of newsletters sent throughout the year on the District website.
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Summit Scoop se puede traducir a muchos idiomas diferentes. Solo abra el boletín en un navegador web y luego haga clic en el botón "Traducir". Si lo abre en su teléfono, necesitará encontrar el ícono de accesibilidad que lo llevará a la opción de traducción. Suele estar en la parte inferior. Si lo abre en una computadora, la opción está en la parte superior de la página.
District News
Student Council Celebrates Black History Month by Honoring Lawton C. Johnson
For their first Black History Month profile, it was important for students and staff to know the history of Lawton C. Johnson, the man whose name was added to Summit Middle School in 2004. Mr. Johnson was born and raised in Summit. He worked at the middle school for more than 50 years, starting from the time he was a junior high school student. One of his first jobs was to arrive early and unlock the classroom doors for substitutes. He continued working in the office while attending high school in the same building. After graduation, he worked in the office full-time. Mr. Johnson stayed for more than 50 years and rarely took a sick day.
Lawton Johnson was also devoted to his church, Wallace Chapel A.M.E., where he was the minister of music, organist, and director of the male chorus. The mayor of Summit recognized his service to the community by proclaiming Lawton C. Johnson Appreciation day on October 2, 2007. He was a gifted storyteller, especially about our school and the history of Summit. Mr. Johnson worked until his retirement in 2007 and passed away in 2009.
Anika Jain Honored by Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
Anika Jain has been honored as one of the brightest students in the world by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth! Anika, a student at Jefferson Elementary School, was honored for exceptional performance on the SAT, ACT, School and College Ability Test, or similar assessment taken as part of the CTY Talent Search. CTY uses above-grade-level testing to identify advanced students from around the world and provide a clear picture of their academic abilities. Each year, about 16,000 students from more than 90 countries around the world join CTY. On average, less than 30 percent qualify for either High Honors or Grand Honors/SET based on their test scores.
National Merit Scholars and Teachers Honored at Board Meeting
LCJSMS Hosts 'Just Talk About It'
LCJSMS hosted assemblies on mental health for all students, as well as a virtual parent workshop, called Just Talk About It. The guest speaker from Minding Your Mind provided education for adults on the signs, symptoms, and factors influencing a mental health challenge, providing information and skills to act before a crisis hits. This was sponsored by the Kimberly Anne Wilson Foundation.
Healthcare Explorers University Launches at Jefferson Elementary School
Summit High School Throws Multicultural Parade
On February 9 at Summit High School, we had our largest Multicultural Parade yet! In celebration of Chinese New Year, Mardi Gras, and Carnival, Sra. Hernandez and her Spanish club organized a wonderful celebration. Mrs. Lu and her Chinese students participated with the Chinese Dragon, Mrs. Tartaglia and her French students represented Mardi Gras, and Mrs. Scozzari's Ceramics/Sculpture students walked the parade with beautiful masks made in Art class. It was amazing to see the beautiful outcome of such collaboration on a large scale! We would like to thank the Summit Educational Foundation for having Mr. Rolando Matos join us. He is the musical director from The Lion King and lead our parade! He worked with music students in Mr. Bocchino's classes and some of Sra. Hernandez's Spanish classes.
Lincoln-Hubbard Select Chorus Performs for SAGE Eldercare
The Lincoln-Hubbard Select Chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Schoderbek, visited SAGE Eldercare on February 14th. The group sang a selection of songs for the residents and even got some of them to sing along with some well known tunes. It was a wonderful way to share music with the community. Thanks to our group of parent volunteers and to everyone at SAGE for inviting us for this event!
Around the Classroom
Brayton Shares the Love
LCJSMS Students Teach Others Their Language
Madame Loriot Apruzzese found a way to practice diversity, equity and inclusion in the French classroom by creating a session called “Teach Me Your Language”. In order to promote the representation and participation of different cultural groups in the classroom, she has asked her LCJSMS students if they spoke another language besides English and French. Then, she planned a session called “Teach Me Your Language” where students taught each other another language and presented more about their culture to the class! The countries represented were Egypt, China, Brasil, Italy, Romania, Israel, Georgia, Russia, Germany, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and Argentina. The languages included Spanish, Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, Italian, German and Georgian. Students were very motivated and prepared amazing slides including pictures, food items, and 5 keywords that they were teaching to the classroom.
LCJSMS Hosts Career Awareness Day
Earlier this month, the LCJSMS Counseling Department hosted the school's annual Career Awareness Day program! Students were divided into three groups and rotated through different stations in an effort to have more time and space with the presenters. The presenters, from a diverse variety of industries, set up in a 'fair' form in the Main Gym and Mueller's Gym. In the Auditorium, students watched a peer-made video and completed their Career Day Booklets. We thank all of the presenters and staff members who helped put this program together for our students!
Entrepreneurship Class Enters the SHS Shark Tank
Students in the SHS Entrepreneurship class have been working on developing their own creative business concepts over the past few months. The industries ranged from fashion, culinary, apps, and toys, where students came up with concepts that solved a problem, filled a void in the marketplace or addressed a new target audience. The project culminated with a Shark Tank style business plan competition in front of a panel of judges!
Athletics
Summit Seniors Commit on National Signing Day
Congratulations to these Summit High School senior student-athletes who have committed to continuing their academic and athletic careers in college next year!
Ella Callahan, Swimming - Middlebury College
Tanya Dev, Field Hockey - Tufts University
Sam Gouveia, Wrestling - Gettysburg College
Leo Haselmann, Football - Washington & Lee University
Ethan Hopman, Tennis - Endicott College
Zach Hume, Baseball - County College of Morris County
Matthew Kelly, Football - Western Connecticut State
Tyler Kessel, Football - Dartmouth College
Isabelle Meltzer, Golf - Bates College
Chris Moglia, Baseball - Muhlenberg College
Kathryn Scallon, Lacrosse - Ithaca College
Carter Shallcross, Football & Lacrosse - Washington & Lee University
Jack Staples, Soccer - Vassar College
Elizabeth Walsh, Lacrosse - Swarthmore College
Pavel Yurkov, Soccer - Haverford College
Girls Swimming Makes History
For the first time in history, the Summit Girls Swim team garnered the prestigious Union County Championship Trophy on January 22, 2024! Congratulations, Hilltoppers!
Two Summit Students Selected as Union County Conference Winter Athletes of the Week
Shannon Palphreyman - Indoor Track & Field (from Coach Neal Sharma)
Shannon Palphreyman is enjoying a tremendous senior campaign as a captain and leader on the cross country and track and field squads. In the fall, she was an integral member of the team that established itself as the fastest in school history, establishing a new school record course average and finishing eighth overall at the Meet of Champions. The past month has been phenomenal for Shannon. First, she claimed her second sectional title of her career by winning the North 2 Group 3 800m title. Her efforts on the track have helped her and her teammates secure a spot at the Meet of Champions in the 4x800. This will be Shannon's 4th MoC appearance of her career. Finally, she and her teammates have qualified to run at the National Track and Field Championships in two weeks, as well. A good part of Shannon's success can be attributed to her healthy mindset approaching racing and her strong sense of self that she carries with her.
Sam Gouveia - Wrestling (from Coach Pete Connolly)
Sam Gouveia is an extraordinary young man. His accomplishments this season are a direct reflection of his hard work ethic as well as his overall character. Sam is a four-year varsity wrestler and current captain of the Summit/Chatham Wrestling Team, his fellow athletes look up to him not only for his knowledge and experience with the sport, but more so the prominent and positive example he displays on a constant basis for his teammates. With an impressive 24 wins this season, adding to his total career wins of 61, Sam's dedication to the sport has propelled him to place 3rd in the Dover tournament this year, and place 2nd in the NJSIAA District 13 tournament, by which doing so has allowing him to wrestle in the highly competitive Region 4 tournament. Sam has committed to Gettysburg College, where he will continue his wrestling career. His Family, the Coaching Staff, and his teammates are extremely proud of the example Sam has set for future generations of Summit wrestlers.
Summit Represents at Girls Flag Football Media Day
The New York Jets hosted its inaugural High School Girl's Flag Football Media Day, representing 60 High Schools and 8 different conferences throughout New Jersey and New York. The Summit High School Girls Flag Football Team was one of four teams to represent the Big Central Conference alongside Hillside, North Plainfield, and Westfield. Girls from all over the state of New Jersey and New York were able to express their love of the game of football in front of many different media outlets. This was an amazing experience for our athletes and our community at Summit High School! Representing our first Summit HS Girls Flag Football Team are Callie Shroff and Samantha Cooper, alongside their coaches Frank Harpster (Head Coach) Brooke Simandl (Assistant Coach).
Freshmen Boys Basketball Takes Home Union County Championship
Congratulations to Coach Sink & the Freshman Boys Basketball Team for winning the Union County Championship defeating Scotch Plains 49-40!
Arts
'Anything Goes' Cast Hosts Tap Workshop for Elementary Students
On January 31, the cast of Summit High School’s upcoming musical ‘Anything Goes’ hosted an exciting tap workshop for more than 50 students from elementary schools across the district. In attendance were fourth and fifth-graders from Brayton, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln Hubbard, and Washington schools. The elementary school students were given a preview dance performance from the cast before splitting into small groups and learning a short tap dance from the show’s titular song, “Anything Goes!” The evening concluded with a performance for parents, who watched their children execute their new tap skills with the help of their student instructors. In partnership with Summit Performing Arts Resource Committee (SPARC), Anne Poyner, Summit High School’s Director of Theater and Forensics, wanted to provide an opportunity for the next generation of Hilltop’s best to immerse themselves in the high school’s award winning theater environment.
Performances of 'Anything Goes' are happening now in the SHS Auditorium on Wednesday, February 28 at 6 pm; Thursday, February 29, & Friday, March 1 at 7 pm; and Saturday, March 2 at 1 pm and 7 pm. Livestream is available for purchase for Friday and Saturday 7pm shows. Tickets are available at the door as well. Tickets are $15 for students and seniors and $20 for adults, and purchased by visiting Hilltopper Stage Productions at www.showtix4U.com/events/hilltopper
LCJSMS Presents 'Guys and Dolls' as Spring Musical
LCJSMS will present the classic Broadway musical comedy, Guys and Dolls, on Friday and Saturday, March 15-16, in the LCJSMS Auditorium. Set in New York City in the 1930s, this classic musical comedy has it all! Gangsters and showgirls collide with missionaries and saints as they all partake in high-stakes gambling, spirited dancing and star-crossed romance. It features one of the best musical scores in the history of Broadway theater with hits like “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat” and “Luck Be a Lady.” This lively production promises an unforgettable
musical experience. As part of the production, the LCJSMS Drama Club will be collecting non-perishable food items at ALL performances which will be donated to the SAGE Eldercare Meals on Wheels program and SAGE Eldercare Spend-A-Day adult medical daycare program.
Shows are scheduled for Friday 3/15 at 7pm and Saturday 3/16 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are $15
for adults/children 11+ and $13 for seniors/children 10 and under and may be purchased at
LCJSMS Students Selected for NJ Junior High All-State Choir
Earlier in January, four LCJSMS students auditioned and were accepted into the NJ Junior High All-State Choir! This group is sponsored by the New Jersey chapter of the American Choral Directors' Association. Congratulations to LCJSMS students Georgina, Dalia, Rosalie, and Jenna for earning their spot among 451 auditionees! On May 4th in Flemington, they will perform with other talented singers from around New Jersey.
Elementary Students Enjoy Performances from LCJSMS and SHS Music Groups
Our elementary schools were in for a huge treat! They got to listen, clap, and dance to music performances put on by our middle school and high school students! The LCJSMS Stage Band, Bel Canto, and Chamber Orchestra, as well as the SHS Big Band, Chamber Choir, and Chamber Orchestra went on tour to all 5 elementary schools, playing music from popular movies, shows, and genres!
Special Services
Launch of Sibling Support Group
Based on suggestions from our Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC), we will be piloting a support group for siblings of students with special needs. This opportunity is open to students in Grades 5-9. We will meet from 5:00 PM-6:30 PM in the Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School library on April 17 and 24, as well as May 1, 8, 15, and 22. Topics will include Understanding Disabilities and Emotions, Sibling Relationships and Advocacy, Coping Strategies and Self-Care, Building a Supportive Community, Effective Communication and Problem-Solving, and Future Planning and Goal Setting. We welcome anyone interested in being a part of this program or being a guest speaker at one of the sessions. Please reach out to Doreen Babis, Dr. Angela Seavy or TranLe Hill.
To register a student: Student Support Group Registration
Student Personnel Services
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Training
MTSS focuses on early identification of academic and behavioral needs, personalized interventions, and continuous progress monitoring. By tailoring support to individual student needs, we create a more inclusive and effective learning environment. Our goal is to empower every student to reach their full potential.
Whether it’s additional reading support, math interventions, or social-emotional learning programs, MTSS ensures that no student falls through the cracks. We believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive, and MTSS is a critical part of making that vision a reality.
WIDA Access Testing Window
The testing window for WIDA Access is now open. Our schools are diligently working to assess the language skills of our ESL students. This assessment helps us understand their language proficiency levels, identify areas for growth, and tailor instruction accordingly.
By participating in WIDA Access, our students contribute to a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. It allows us to celebrate their linguistic diversity while ensuring they receive the targeted support they need to thrive academically.
Important Dates
MARCH 7
Board of School Estimate meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Summit High School auditorium
Special Board of Education meeting follows at 7 p.m. in Summit High School auditorium
MARCH 11
Single session
Staff development
MARCH 20-22
Single session for Kindergarten only
Parent/Teacher Conferences
MARCH 21
Board of Education meeting
LCJSMS auditorium at 6:30 p.m.
MARCH 22
Special Board of Education meeting at 1 p.m. in the Wilson Primary Center board room
Board of School Estimate meeting follows at 1:15 p.m. in the Wilson Primary Center board room
MARCH 25-29
Spring Break - Schools Closed