EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ -- The East Brunswick baseball team will open its season on Tuesday, April 2 at home against South Brunswick.
The Bears are coming off a 15-12 season that featured an eight-game winning streak late in the season and an appearance in the Central Jersey, Group 4 semifinals.
East Brunswick head coach Chris Kenney calls pitching and defense "the backbone of East Brunswick's success in recent years, and (we) aim to maintain this strength going into the upcoming season."
Despite the loss of key starting pitchers Joe Ditzel and Michael Marchese, the Bears still have several experienced arms, including seniors Dustin McGuinness, Lukas Meyer and Jack Ryan, and junior Joshua Kesser. McGuinness, a Division 1 Wagner College commit, struck out 48 batters and walked only 12 in 45 2/3 innings. Kesser was a revelation as a sophomore, exhibiting pinpoint control en route to a 2.10 ERA in 16 2/3 innings of work, in which he allowed just three walks.
Pitching depth comes from juniors Hayden Dziubeck and Connor Glynn, and newcomers such as sophomores Andre Love, Joshua Hines and Julian Satterthwaite, and freshman Jordan Rudolph.
In the field, McGuinness returns at shortstop, Meyer at second and Ryan at first, with sophomore Joe Spinello set to man center field. Senior Derrick Christie can play either corner outfield spot.
Hayden Dziubeck, Jared MacWithey and Patrick Ryan will also see time in the outfield, while Drew Mennona, Joshua Kesser, Connor Glynn and Jacob Hines are infielders who'll see action.
Behind the plate, Felix Munoz brings his JV success (.343) to the varsity level, supported by sophomore Brandon Bastek.
Offensively, the team looks to build upon last year's .270 batting average, with McGuinness, who is 21 hits away from 100 in his career, leading the charge after batting .355 with 10 extra-base hits in 2023.
"Backed by several returning starters and a JV team that had a .316 average, (we) anticipate significant improvement at the plate this season," Kenney said.
"With a strong emphasis on fundamentals and the contributions of both returning players and newcomers, the team is primed for success in the upcoming season," Kenney said.
]]>EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Within the next three years, East Brunswick will have a whole new look at the north end of town along Route 18 South. Exit the Turnpike or come into the township via Route 18 from New Brunswick and you will see a new hotel, supermarket, restaurants, stores, and a variety of apartments and townhomes to rent or buy. (And let's not forget about that two-slab hockey rink.)
At their most recent meeting, the East Brunswick Township council voted to approve the remaining two phases of the updated redevelopment plan. At a prior meeting, Mike Hughes, Executive Director of the East Brunswick Redevelopment Agency, began the presentation by Riverfront Development Equities and Russo Development by announcing that the proposed site - the luxury development Vermella - has been amended to feature an upgraded design and a reduction in the number of apartments from the proposed 1,280 units to the current design that features 753 units. Apartments will be placed over retail space and two levels of underground parking for residents.
On March 25, Council members voted to approve the plans for both Vermella and the "townsquare" community at the north end of Route 18 beginning at Ruth Street, which would feature a hotel, restaurants, and a new grocery store. Commercial properties would front the highway, while "stacked townhomes" and "carriage houses" would form a community between the new businesses and existing residential properties in East Brunswick. Construction will begin soon on Vermella, as reported by TAPinto East Brunswick last week. Vermella will begin to "go vertical" in the fall of 2024 on a lot formerly the site of Office Depot, Babies-R-Us and The Wiz, extending onto the former site of Mattress Cowboys, bound by the traffic circle and Lake Avenue on Route 18 South in East Brunswick. Vermella is described as "an upscale, luxury property" that could possibly change the whole look of Route 18, especially near the north end of town.
Here is the complete redevelopment plan as it pertains to Vermella and the former Loehmann's Plaza. This report includes the likely impact of development in East Brunswick on surrounding towns. Because the Redevelopment Zone fronts primarily on Route 18 (with the exception of Garden Communties' "Legacy Place" on Tices Lane,) there is no predicted negative imposition on surrounding communities.
]]>EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - At last night’s Township Council meeting, I introduced the 2024 Municipal Budget to the Council and the public. My administration has worked hard to strike a balance between limiting our expenses, all while continuing to provide the wide array of services our hard-working residents deserve.
The 2024 Municipal Budget calls for a 0.56% increase. This equates to 98 cents per month ($11.75 per year) for the average assessed home in the township. This flattening and stabilization of municipal taxes is the direct result of the increased taxes coming in from the redevelopment projects started several years ago. This trend is confirmed by the fact that municipal taxes have increased by an average of 0.55% per year over the last five years. This was a promise I made from the beginning of my tenure as your mayor.
This budget includes the increased cost for the new solid waste and recycling contract which amounts to $800,000 for this year. The new contract provides a higher level of service by moving to twice weekly solid waste pick-up all year. It also provides for loose leaf pick-up in the fall. The budget also covers the losses from our parking decks which have yet to return to pre-COVID levels, the addition of two new police officers, and the addition of two new employees in the public works department. We have not reduced any staff and continue to add to the wealth of programs offered to our residents.
I would like to thank our Business Administrator, Joseph Criscuolo, Township CFO, Angel Albanese, all our department directors and our dedicated staff for continuing to service our residents with respect and dignity. We have a great team!
This budget will be sent to the state for approval by the Department of Community Affairs, and we should expect a final Council approval by May. Until its final approval, the budget is open for public comment.
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EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - As science educators, we are thrilled to have a rare opportunity to observe the eclipse phenomenon. On April 8th our area will experience 90% of a total solar eclipse. The process will begin around 2:10 PM, reaching 90% totality around 3:25, and ending around 4:30 PM. Thanks to the generosity of the East Brunswick Education Foundation, ISO-certified eclipse glasses will be provided to students and staff to ensure they can view it safely. In addition, training has been provided for our teachers on how to use passive viewing tools, such as boxes and colanders to observe the phenomenon.
Attached is a photo of the eclipse glasses from American Paper Optics. ISO-certified eclipse glasses are made of a black polymer or mylar material that blocks harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation. They are 100,000 times darker than regular sunglasses. Not wearing proper eyewear for direct viewing puts a person in jeopardy of eye damage.
In conjunction with lessons and activities in our elementary school science classes, we are working with student Solar Eclipse Ambassadors, students from Churchill and the High School who will present to the elementary students and students at HUES on how eclipses work, why they are so special, and how to safely view one. The Ambassadors are very much looking forward to imparting their passion for science to the younger students and watching the event at their home schools in the afternoon.
I would also like to thank my fantastic Pre-K Team who have been working very hard. These six students are teaching lessons about the eclipse at the Good Day Pre-K and Kindergarten in Milltown during their spring break. They are developing the activities themselves and will work with the three pre-k classes and one kindergarten class. Some of these students have been the most active in helping me promote within the school, so they certainly deserve recognition.
It should be an exciting day. We are hoping for clear skies so that all can enjoy this amazing phenomenon
I will be giving a talk at the East Brunswick Public Library at 7:00 PM with two of the Ambassadors and the district’s science supervisors on Wednesday, April 3rd to help prepare the community and give more details on what we are doing as a school to ensure a fun and safe event for all.
]]>EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - A public hearing on the East Brunswick Public Schools budget is set for April 25, but, until then, the district will move to "bridge revenues and appropriations" as the district faces an $8 million gap in funding for the upcoming 2024/25 school year.
“Not only do we have a substantial increase to charter school costs, and we are not receiving that additional state aid that was anticipated,” Giuliana said during his presentation to the Board of Education. East Brunswick will not receive $1.32 million in state aid funding for the upcoming academic year.
For the 2024/25 school year, East Brunswick will receive $38,505,885 from New Jersey, a reduction of 3.3% of the anticipated amount of $39,826,250.
East Brunswick is one of only five school districts in Middlesex County to get a cut to their annual state aid. Other local districts with a loss of state aid for the upcoming school year include South Brunswick, Highland Park, Old Bridge Township, and South Plainfield, according to the New Jersey Department of Education.
In a recent communication with TAPinto East Brunswick, Superintendent Dr. Victor Valeski enumerated the reasons for the total $8 million budget shortfall for the upcoming year. He referenced five "categorical impacts" causing the loss of revenue to the township schools.
1. The East Brunswick Public Schools anticipated a "healthy increase" in state aid; yet the amount the district received was significantly reduced.
2. In addition to the already large funding requirement to support Hatikvah International Academy Charter School out of the local budget, the District is forced to substantially increase that funding for next school year. The relationship between Hatikvah an the EB Public Schools has often been tenuous when it comes to funding, especially with regard to the out-of-district placement of Special Education students.
In February, 2023, Hatikvah was granted a five-year extension, as well as permission to expand by 99 seats. The state Department of Education, which regulates the state’s charter schools, studied Hatikvah’s academic performance, fiscal viability and operational stability as part of a standard renewal process conducted every five years. Hatikvah, which opened 2010, has been renewed through June 30, 2028.
3. Legally-required special education costs (staffing and out-of-district tuition) are increasing at a high rate. The most outstanding number cited by the Superintendent at a 2023 BOE meeting that featured a demographic report of the district was the fact that 1,600, or about 20% of the current population, are Special Education students. The cost of educating students with disabilities can sometimes be three times that of educating students without disabilities. With only a handful of exceptions, the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) requires states to verify that districts either spend at least the same amount of local funds, or the same amount of state and local funds, on special education from one year to the next. That provision of IDEA is called “maintenance of effort.”
4. Health benefit expenses are projected to be higher than has been the case in recent years. This is a statewide problem. There are about 1,600 employees of the East Brunswick Public Schools.
5. COVID grant funds are no longer available, which transfers a number of the special education staff and mental health service costs to the budget. In the past few years, some employees who supported mental and physical health during the pandemic were paid through state grants. Those funds are no longer coming to the schools, and those positions will now be paid through the regular funding programs for staff.
The final budget will be presented at the BOE meeting on April 25 at the Board office off Route 18 North, and no changes can be made. The district will provide residents with a user-friendly budget on its website in the upcoming weeks.
“There won’t be a magic pot of money to bridge this $8 million gap,” Giuliana said, “This won’t be the first time the district has had to undergo significant reductions due to state aid reductions. We went through this 14 years ago, and we recovered. I have no doubt that will be the case going forward.”
]]>EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - The East Brunswick Public School District Community Programs Department again is offering the Early Learning Academy Preschool classes for the 2024-2025 school year. This parent-pay program is for 3 and 4-year-old children residing in East Brunswick and surrounding areas. To be eligible for the 2024-2025 school year, children must be three years of age by October 31, 2024. Children must also be fully toilet trained. Children are enrolled throughout the school year based on availability.
The curriculum design and implementation is based on the New Jersey Department of Education’s Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards and the Preschool Implementation Guidelines. Certified supervisors with expertise in the field of early childhood and school readiness oversee the planning and preparation for the program. The plans will be implemented by experienced and caring staff. Lead instructors are certified teachers. The program provides parents the opportunity to register their child for a developmentally appropriate learning experience within the school district.
This tuition-based program is five days per week. Half-day (A.M. or P.M.), mid-day extension (lunch), and full-day options including early morning and/or after school care are available. The program is located in our East Brunswick elementary schools. Transportation for this program is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
The Early Learning Academy (ELA) Pre-School Registration will begin Wednesday, April 3, 2024 for residents and April 10, 2024 for non-residents. Please visit www.ebnet.org/ela for full registration instructions, including fees and all required forms. A non-refundable registration fee plus the first month’s tuition must be received to reserve your spot in the program. Credit card payments are accepted (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover) as well as e-check. For additional information or questions regarding the registration process, curriculum and program content information, please email commprog@ebnet.org or call (732)613-6629.
Please note that enrollment is currently open for the Summer Early Learning Academy (3 and 4-year-olds) and the Summer Kindergarten Readiness Academy (5 years old entering Kindergarten). 3 and 6 week programs are available. For more information regarding the summer programs (half and full day options) please visit www.ebnet.org/elasummer.
]]>EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Representatives from NJPSA and TMI Education reached out to me (Dr. Herb Peluzzo, Supervisor of Educational Technology) asking if one of our students would be interested in participating in an interactive panel discussion about AI in schools. EBHS Senior, Class of 2024 Salutatorian, AP IPLE leader (among many other accolades - awaiting responses from colleges prior to deciding where to attend), Kenneth Chan, was eager to participate on the panel to share his perspectives on AI in education. Prior to the event, Chan and I talked at length about the district's "Roadmap to 2030" presentation I made at the 1/18/24 BOE meeting, how student feedback in the fall helped frame the discussions in the AI Working Groups made up of teachers/staff from all subject areas, and how an EBHS Student AI Focus Group and additional student survey feedback in the spring will further inform our plans moving forward. Chan's questions, insights, and voice on these issues have added tremendous value to the district's plans and help ensure that student voice is fully represented on this issue moving forward.
Chan was an absolute hit with the attendees and other panelists, with many reacting positively in the audience and/or approaching both him and me to share how impressed they were with his maturity, grasp of the issues, and communication skills. A few of the business leaders were also interested in remaining in contact with Chan, curious about his future career interests - emails were exchanged! Many ears in East Brunswick were probably ringing Thursday afternoon as the compliments for Kenneth and EB were in abundance.
Below are a few of the comments Kenneth Chan shared during the panel discussion:
“You know, actually we were just talking about this earlier during lunch. Cheating and plagiarism have been around ever since education has existed. And it's clear that students who are determined, they're going to find a way to utilize the resources so that they can gain an advantage. To combat that, you know, of course, you need accountability tools. You need AI checkers like Turnitin or any other of the detecting tools that are available. But we also need to increase buy-in from students so that they acknowledge that if they are using these resources incorrectly, that they're missing out on key skill development. That's something that was reiterated to me in world language class. My teacher really emphasized that using digital tools and translators and other resources that don't require you to use critical thinking or build other skills really harms the learning environment. And, so, I think the communication with students and parents from teachers and administrators needs to, you know, continue to drive the conversation on what is or is not appropriate and what is the effect of using AI on the learning environment and planning process.”
“AI can be a really great advisor to enable us to take on those more creative pursuits that are interdisciplinary, that require the synthesis of many different ideas from many disparate fields. As someone who's going to college next year, I can tell you that interdisciplinary is really the buzzword of the day. But I'm actually really quite excited to go to a school where I can learn about mathematics and history and politics, public policy and science and all those things, and then bring them together to make a creative product. I think it's key to recognize AI as a resource where we can have access to the wealth of knowledge, to be able to read the digital book that the internet really is, and it helps us synthesize that to create new products, generate value, and contribute to the common good.”
The efforts of the Educational Technology department have been recognized by school leaders around the state and region, with interest in our AI guidelines for staff and students, protocols for discussion of AI issues, and our AI best practices for piloting various tools. I have an article about how the implementation of AI Working Groups has helped foster a culture of collaboration and transparency about AI in East Brunswick set for publication in NJPSA's Spring 2024 edition of Educational Viewpoints. Educational Viewpoints is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal with articles on varied education subjects written by NJPSA members.
In addition to sharing my AI perspectives, strategies, and insights with educational leaders from around the state at this event, Central School Principal Dr. Mike Gaskell also served on the AI panel, sharing his experiences and insights as a principal, encouraging teachers and staff members to use AI to streamline many tasks, enhance creativity, and improve learning activities for their students.
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EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - The school district recently adopted a tentative budget as they continue to struggle with the recent loss of state aid. The tentative budget is a temporary placement until the final budget is presented to the public at a later date.
The school district is set to lose $1.32 million in state aid funding for the upcoming academic year. Charter schools are set to gain an additional $740 million in state aid, which the district says they must fund, according to Bernardo Giuliana, the Assistant Superintendent for Business and Support Operations.
“Not only do we have a substantial increase to charter school cost, and we are not receiving that additional state aid that was anticipated, we have a very significant issue,” Giuliana said during his presentation to the board, “We have been working to plug and figure out how to bridge revenues and appropriations. It has been an arduous task.”
Details of the budget are still in the review process, according to the district. Giuliana said he is hoping to make the best decisions but “very hard decisions will be made.”
A public hearing about the budget is scheduled for April 25. The final budget will be presented, and no changes can be made. The district will provide residents with a user-friendly budget on their website in the upcoming weeks.
“There won’t be a magic pot of money to bridge this $8 million gap,”Giuliana said, “This won’t be the first time the district has had to undergo significant reductions due to state aid reductions. We went through this 14 years ago and we recovered. I have no doubt that will be the case going forward.”
]]>EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - The East Brunswick High School Orchestra and Chorus had a hugely successful 5-day trip to Orlando from March 13th through the 17th as they participated in Festival Disney.
The groups were rated in the Excellent and Superior categories. Additionally, the Overall Outstanding Vocal Soloist trophy was awarded to EBHS sophomore Charlotte Wells.
"The 135 students in attendance represented East Brunswick School District in a remarkable manner both on and off the stage," says a release from the administration today.
*Attached are the videos of performances by both musical groups.
]]>EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Brianna Weiner and Leann Janzekovich of East Brunswick were recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Weiner was initiated at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York. Janzekovich received the honor at The College of New Jersey in Ewing.
The women are among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.
Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards $1.3 million to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.phikappaphi.org.
]]>*This article is reprinted from TAPinto East Brunswick, October 12, 2021
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - It looked like the post-apocalyptic set for The Walking Dead. Yet, the location was once a center of retail activity in the 1990's.
Demolition began last week on what was locally-called "The Wiz Plaza" on Route 18 South in preparation for the construction of the Vermella project of luxury apartments, shopping, and restaurants at the north end of Route 18 South in East Brunswick. The crumbling onsite buildings were already in an advanced state of disrepair, having been abandoned long ago by their owners and sitting neglected for two decades. Until the township had the location declared an "Area in Need of Redevelopment," a legal designation that required owners to basically "use it or sell it," the Wiz Plaza continued to decline into not only an eyesore but also a dangerous location for criminal activity. Old stores became living spaces for the homeless. Racist, drug-related, and sexual graffiti covered the walls of what had once been a vibrant safe space for East Brunswick families.
"The East Brunswick Police Department is looking forward to seeing this area of town improved," said Chief Frank LoSacco. "From time to time, we have faced challenges with the area being in its current condition, but I am confident that the improvements will make thing better." LoSacco stated that vandalism and loitering in the empty buildings on this property had caused concerns for the EBPD over the years.
TAPinto East Brunswick took a walk around The Wiz Plaza on the day the demolition began, an event that ran synchronously with the official announcement by Mayor Cohen that the East Brunswick Planning Board had approved the Vermella construction in a presentation at the Municipal Building which included representatives of the township's Redevelopment Agency and the architects and developers of the new project. It was a celebratory event, filled with a sense of relief that a blighted area would be revived.
However, on a grim, rainy day in suburbia, a once-engaging location met its end on the other side of town.
The Wiz Plaza was the home of Conran's, a decorating store that, along with Plum at Mid-State Mall and Platypus in Loehmann's Plaza, served the impulse buyers of East Brunswick.
The Wiz itself was a popular retail location not just for boom-boxes and VHS players, but for concert tickets in the days before the piracy of online ticket services. Want to see Bruce Springsteen? Put in the seven hours this reporter did by standing in line, not waiting online, in front of the Wiz in East Brunswick.
Carvel was there, too. The producer of Fudgy the Whale and Seamus the Lucky Elephant ice cream cakes still had their early 2000's prices posted on the creepy-looking remnants of their front counter up until last week.
Barnes and Noble had its first location there, as did Best Buy which both remain EB staples.
Staples? That store was at this location, too. As were salons and small restaurants and The Gap, the only store where some "too cool for school" kids would shop.
"Despite having been built over 25 years ago, this shopping center was relatively modern compared to the others along Route 18. It’s a shame it didn’t last very long. When they built it, it was hyped to be one of the new-wave shopping centers of the 1980s. I have fond memories of going to the Wiz and Kids-R-Us on Route 18," said local historian Ethan Reiss.
Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us continued to try to hold onto their popular locations in East Brunswick while their national face frowned and ultimately closed. Sadly, Geoffrey the Giraffe had to pack his bag and head out of a lot of towns.
What happened? Certainly, this experience of the decline of retail is not exclusive to East Brunswick. Local residents use the Targets, Wal-Marts, Costcos, Loews, and Home Depots, stores with giant inventories and even bigger parking lots that have decimated K-Mart and other stores that have lost the fight on Route 18 and nationwide. Even the experience of shopping has completely changed as buyers hunt for bargains and atmosphere and salespeople on the floor become less of an attraction. Who needs a salesperson on Amazon?
So the plaza came down at last, as the underfoot crunch of broken glass on deserted sidewalk echoed in the vacant stores indicated the emptiness of not only an East Brunswick destination, but also the end of a simpler time, though we may not have recognized it as such then. Stores that have been empty for twenty years and that are covered with misogynistic and racist images are not the cause for nostalgia or romanticized memory. The vibrant commercial life that caused their ugly decline is something to be missed, though.
*Editor's note: When I was a new mom, I shopped in Babies-R-Us at the Wiz Plaza often. One night, I put my purchases in my white Dodge Caravan, locked my son in his car seat, and closed the door. My keys were locked in the car. After trying to break the window with my sneaker, I began yelling for help, though the lot was mostly empty. I would not leave my son. Somebody heard me and went into the store for help. The police came and somehow pushed through both the window and my panic and opened the door. I want to say thank you again, EBPD.
]]>EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Facing two openings, the East Brunswick Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, for the interviews of candidates to fill those positions. Candidates will participate in a public interview session, conducted by members of the Board, at 7:00 at the BOE meeting room at 760 Route 18 North.
The Board of Education has posted a Notice of Vacancy for the two positions on the district website. East Brunswick residents interested in becoming a member of the board may obtain an application package by writing to Bernardo Giuliana, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Support Operations/Board Secretary, East Brunswick Public Schools, 760 Route 18, Suite 108, East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816 or calling (732) 613-6723. These are unpaid positions, and the term of office is until December 31, 2024. The individuals appointed to the position will be required to undergo a Criminal History Background Check prior to taking the oath of office and being seated on the Board of Education.
*Finalizing a tentative budget for 2024-2025 Fiscal Year
*Continuing to refine proposals for a new high school and/or extensive renovations to the existing high school facility
*Recruiting and retaining the highest quality staff
*Positioning the district for the next decade, while maintaining Excellence in Academics, Athletics and the Arts.
It is likely that applicants for the open positions will be asked for their views regarding these priorities.
The current members of the East Brunswick Board of Education are President Laurie Lachs, Vice President Heather Guas, Barbara Reiss, Vicki Becker, Liwu Hong, Timothy Cummings, and Laurie Herrick.
As is true of all East Brunswick Board of Education meetings, public participation shall be extended to residents of this district, persons having a legitimate interest in the actions of this Board, persons representing groups in the community or school district, representatives of firms eligible to bid on materials or services solicited by the Board, and employees and pupils of this district.
The interviews, for which questions are only asked by BOE members, not members of the public, are part of the open session of the meeting.
]]>EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - The East Brunswick Police Department is currently accepting applications for the 17th Annual Youth Police Academy. The Academy will begin on July 8, 2024, and conclude on July 12, 2024. Classes will be held between the hours of 9:00a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at The East Brunswick High School. In addition, a final graduation ceremony will be held at the conclusion of the day on July 12th. There is a course enrollment fee of $100. The Academy can accommodate 30 cadets.
This year’s academy will be open to individuals from 13 to 17 years of age who reside or attend school in East Brunswick. This one-week program will provide an excellent opportunity for young members of the community to get a better understanding of how the East Brunswick Police operates and how the police officers serve and protect our community. Each cadet will enjoy opportunities to enjoy team-building activities and learn a great deal about respect and tolerance while having fun. The program also includes a field trip to a local law enforcement site such as the New Jersey State Police Museum or equivalent.
For those who are interested in enrolling someone in this program, please complete the online registration via the East Brunswick Department of Recreation link and email the completed Applicant Packet to the Community Policing Unit. If you are interested in enrolling more than one person, please complete separate applications for each person.
The registration deadline is May 10, 2024.
The number of cadets that are accepted into the program is limited, so please submit your application(s) as soon as possible. Due to a high number of anticipated applicants and the limited class size, cadets who are new to the program may be accepted over previous graduates.
Find registration and application information for the East Brunswick Junior Police Academy by visiting www.eastbrunswick.org/269/Junior-Police-Academy. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Policing Unit at (732) 390-6938 or CommunityPolicing@ebpd.net.
]]>EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Applications for the 2024-2025 East Brunswick High School Bears and Cubs Preschool Program will be available beginning April 1, 2024 online at East Brunswick High School - Bears and Cubs program. This program is free for East Brunswick residents.
The Bears and Cubs Preschool is an elective for high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing careers involving children. The high school students plan and execute developmentally appropriate lessons for the whole preschool class or their specific preschooler under the supervision of a certified teacher. Prior to the preschool students' arrival, the high school students learn about child development, teaching methods, how to conduct observations, appropriate lesson planning as well as routines that are needed to work with preschool-aged children.
Applications must be completed by April 30th. Notification of acceptance will be sent to parents by the end of July.
The first day of school will be in late October 2023. The date is yet to be determined. This free program operates three days a week (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) from 8:30- 10:30 AM. The child must be 3 years old as of Oct. 31, 2024, and no older than 4 years, 8 months. The child MUST be toilet-trained and up-to-date with all immunizations.
For further information, please refer to https://www.ebnet.org/preschool .
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