February 8, 2013
Roger Hansen led the Pledge of Allegiance
Paul Peacock gave the Invocation
Pres. Fatima Camacho presided over the meeting
Guests were welcomed. Terry Janaseh, Pete E. Genovese, Nicole Quinn, Mike Salvatore, Laura Ciavolino
Mike Ciavolino spoke about District Governor Joan Vas’ new membership drive and District 7500’s upcoming marketing campaign.
Superintendent Salvatore Delivers State of the Long Branch School System Address to Rotary Club of Long Branch
On a snowy windswept Friday, Long Branch Rotarians were treated to an informative, passionate and detailed update on the state of the Long Branch schools by School District Superintendent Michael Salvatore.
Mr. Salvatore spoke to the Club on a wide range of topics including the following:
Educational Initiatives
In order to maximize time and efficiency, the teachers of the Long Branch School District have an “On Demand” Library of nearly 3000 videos and online content. If a teacher has a unique situation with a new student – perhaps one where they are new to the area and/or English is a 2nd language, for example – the teacher can simply go to the Library for resources, information and techniques on how to better educate and integrate the child into the school’s curriculum and culture.
Tablet Initiative
Increasing and improving student vocabulary is an important agenda item for Mr. Salvatore and his staff. A new “Literacy through Vocabulary” program is helping to achieve this initiative. Currently there are nearly 3000 Tablets out in District that are accessible to the school kids. Reading, science and lab components of curriculum can now be accessed online. What makes the program even more beneficial is that the project can be modified by each child’s specific needs.
District Finances
In order to create financial efficiencies so that every dollar can go back towards teachers and resources, the District monitors heating, air-conditioning and all utilities at each school on a 24/7 basis. Mr. Salvatore also spoke of the Districts Solar Panel initiative. While this program has had mixed results at the outset, he hopes in the long run it will prove financially beneficial for the School District. Other green measures include having the District become a “Paperless Society” where routine items such as field trips, sick days and other teacher communications can now be handled online rather than through the “old school” mountains of paperwork.
Security
In the wake of the Newtown tragedy, School Security is at the forefront of District Initiatives. Working closely with local authorities, the District has planned several changes, some of which are still in the planning stages. There are currently 2000 cameras in schools and administrators are equipped with Walkie Talkie’s that communicate directly with LBPD. Mr. Salvatore expressed his opinion that no guns should be or will be allowed in the schools. Other security measures include:
· Working with parents, teachers and police to constantly evaluate procedures
· Modifying the entryways of older schools to ensure tighter security restrictions
· Phones in every classroom
· Student Lock Down Drills
· The District is experimenting with a new sound for lock down, so that teachers and students are immediately aware of any situation
· New procedure for school visits where individuals must have appointments
Mr. Salvatore also mentioned that the school budget is now $90 million and there are currently 5500 students enrolled in the Long Branch School System
The Long Branch Rotary Club Food Drive is ongoing through June. This is one of the most important initiatives in the long history of the Club. We thank everyone who has donated food and other goods and to everyone who has volunteered to collect and distribute the items to the churches and pantries here in the city. The following is a partial list of drop off locations. Each week, we’ll feature various convenient drop off points:
• Tucci Hot & Crupi PC – 464 Broadway Long Branch
• Investors Bank -169 Broadway Long Branch
• Greater Long Branch Chamber – 228 Broadway Long Branch
• Monmouth University – West Long Branch
• Shore Creative Group – 176 Broadway Long Branch
* NJ Ink Shop - 177 Locust Ave West Long Branch
Don’t forget the 41st Annual Lombardi Awards Banquet to be held on March 7th at The Sheraton Eatontown Hotel at 6pm. For tickets and information contact Diane Rotondelli at CVR, at 732-544-1800 x231
Mark your calendars for the 2nd annual Rotary Club of Long Branch Art Show on April 25th at the Deal Country Club. The evening will feature artwork for sale form some of the area’s top local artists, craft beer tastings, light fare, entertainment and much more.
We close this week with a huge shout out to fellow Rotarian, Ted Friedl, the owner of Excel Travel and President of Kick Cancer Overboard. On March 22nd, Ted will receive the prestigious “Paul Harris Award” presented by Rotary International District Governor Joan Vas. Ted and his charity Kick Cancer Overboard has become a local champion of people and families affected by Cancer in our area. KCO is dedicated to raising awareness and critical dollars in the fight against cancer, while at the same time sending patients, survivors and their families on much needed, and well deserved cruises.
Congratulations, Ted!
Roger Hansen won the 50/50
Meeting was adjourned at 1:25pm