• A Message from the Superintendent

    Dear Hackettstown and Great Meadows Regional School community members,

    As much of the weather is changing, and the earth is defrosting, many of you, as am I, are eagerly awaiting the upcoming warmer seasons. “Spring is a time of plans and projects (Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy)”.  As I am sure you have heard, there’s a buzz in the air with regard to student enrollment, facility infrastructure, building projects and possible future realignment, all of which are true and have been happening simultaneously between the districts and within our communities.  Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth, and we are effortlessly working toward all of these endeavors for a prosperous future. 

    With our communities’ commitment in developing the safest and most secure environment for students and staff, our construction for vestibule installation will begin this June, which follows both districts’ Strategic Plans.  Vestibule installation will be taking place throughout the summer at Central School, Liberty School, Great Meadows and Hackettstown Middle Schools, and Hackettstown High School.  As this project nears completion, all 7 of our schools in both districts will have safety and security enhancements, which the Hackettstown and Great Meadows Regional Boards of Education were dedicated in providing for the safety of our students. 
     
    In addition to vestibule installation, Hackettstown High School will also conduct three construction projects simultaneously in the form of bathroom upgrades, Hall of Fame lobby, and last but certainly not least, a complete renovation and modernization of our media center.  The media center has been three years in the making and will provide our students, staff, and community members a 21st century state-of-the-art active learning environment. 
     
    The aforementioned construction projects, albeit all projects, as it pertains to improving our students’ school community are only possible with committed board of education members, supportive community members, and secure funds and finances.  That said, both boards of education are in the final stages of the budget development process.  On Tuesday, April 25, 2017, the Great Meadows Regional School District will present its 2017-2018 proposed budget for approval and following that presentation, my office will present to the board of education and public an optimization of facility study.  The following evening, Wednesday, April 26, 2017, the Hackettstown Public School District will present its 2017-2018 proposed budget to the board of education and public for approval.  However, we will kick off our meeting on April 26, 2017 by publicly honoring the inaugural class of the Hackettstown High School Hall of Fame.  I encourage all community members to attend both meetings to support our districts’ initiatives, honorees, and future vision. 
     
    As our districts did last year, we will “give back” the two emergency days which have not been utilized during snow days/other emergencies. Unfortunately, these two days will not coincide between the districts due to the High School Graduation and Project Graduation schedule.  Therefore, the Hackettstown School District will be closed on Thursday, May 25, 2017 and Friday, May 26, 2017.  The Great Meadows Regional School District will shorten their school calendar by closing school on Monday, June 19, 2016 and Tuesday, June 20, 2017, which will allow the Great Meadows Middle School graduation ceremonies to be conducted on Friday, June 16, 2017. This will also be the last day of school for the entire district of Great Meadows.  
     
    Because the next couple of months will be very eventful and busy, below are a list of reminder dates that will keep you up-to-date with our board of education meetings and other school-related events:
    • May 10th+- Teacher of the Year award-Hackettstown Public Board of Education Meeting(7pm)
    • May 23rd - Teacher of the Year award-Great Meadows Regional Public Board of Education Meeting (7pm)
    • June 13th- *Facilities and Projects Update by Mr. DeMatteo, Director of Building and Grounds-Great Meadows Regional Public Board of Education Meeting (7pm)
    • June 14th - *Facilities and Projects Update by Mr. DeMatteo, Director of Building and Grounds-Hackettstown Public Board of Education Meeting(7pm)

    *In addition to Mr. DeMatteo’s update on facilities and projects, our building principals will also discuss each of their building’s progression as it relates to their district goals.

    On behalf of the Hackettstown and Great Meadows Regional Boards of Education, staff and students, I would like to wish Mrs. Nadia Romano, our Shared Service Director of Curriculum and Instruction good luck on her new future, as she is leaving our districts.  We would like to thank her for her 5 years of outstanding service throughout both of our school districts. 

    Lastly, I would like to wish all members of our communities a joyous spring season and healthy and relaxing summer.  

    Sincerely,

    David C. Mango
     
    Superintendent of Schools
    Great Meadows Regional and Hackettstown Public Schools