Backpack Drive, NFHS Highlight Month In Moorestown BOE

It is hard to believe we are about three weeks into the 2016-2017 school year, and that fall is here.

September was a busy month in the district with many back to school nights and the first games of fall sports, along with Board recognition of a community group and the approval of a research project.

At the September monthly meeting, the Board recognized the Moorestown Breakfast Rotary Club as it donated about 170 backpacks filled with school supplies for Moorestown students in need. The backpacks totaled about $7,200 in donations.

Many of the club members came together to fill the backpacks, and President Goldenberg, Superintendent McCartney, and myself had the pleasure of assisting.

An agreement with NFHS Network was approved for their school broadcast program services. Essentially, this service will allow parents and students to view video coverage of school events, including some athletics and graduation online.

The Board heard a presentation from one of the leaders of BioStream Technologies and Moorestown High School graduate Ben Farber.

BioStream Technologies is currently working with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to develop a video game for children with autism and other difficulties with social interaction to improve their social skills.

The Board approved the research application to offer parents on a voluntary basis an opportunity to have students engage in “play testing” in order to receive feedback on the game, which they hope will aid students in Moorestown and beyond.

Additional information will be communicated to the Special Education Advocacy Council (SpEAC) and to district parents.

There are multiple event dates to be aware of in October.

• Autumn in Moorestown Day is on Saturday, Oct. 8, on Main Street, and MoorArts will have live entertainment and crafts, including some by Moorestown High School students.
• The Sean Fischel Connect 5k & Fun Run will be on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 12 p.m. on the grounds of the William Allen Middle School and Moorestown High School. This event has been created in honor of Sean Fischel, who lost his life after battling a rare disease called HLN. The organization provides donations to Moorestown Rec Center, Moorestown Library, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, among others. Click here for details.
• The Moorestown Education Foundation will be holding the 21st annual Golf Outing on Monday, Oct. 24, at Laurel Creek Country Club. MEF raises funds to support education program involvement initiatives and provide scholarships for students in Moorestown Township Public Schools. There are opportunities available to golf, sponsor, and attend the cocktail reception. Click here for additional information.

The next monthly Moorestown Board of Education meeting will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, 7 p.m., in the William Allen Middle School media center.

As always, do not hesitate to reach out to either the Board as a whole, or myself, if you have any questions or need anything. I would be delighted to hear from you, and I hope to see you at a future meeting.
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The views and content in this column do not necessarily represent those of the Moorestown Board of Education as a whole or any other individual member.

About this column: In this column, Moorestown Board of Education Member Brandon Pugh provides monthly updates on what's going on in the school district and on the BOE.