Patriotism Performance and Technology Plans at Verona Board Meeting

In a performance that received wide applause from both guests and the Verona Board of Education, several students from sang a variety of patriotic songs and explained their school-wide Red-White-Blue program at Tuesday night's meeting.

The program, which the students explained was developed as a result of the Sept. 11, 2001 tragedy, encompasses all grades and staff at Laning and is designed to make patriotism and citizenship part of their daily routine.

Several times a year the entire school gathers for songs, skits and essays that commemorate special events and people in the country's history.

For Veteran's Day, the students honored all veterans and invited grandparents, parents and other guests, such as the school custodian, who had served in the military. This special assembly was documented by NJ TV and was viewed at last night's meeting.

In addition to explaining the Red-White-Blue program, students, accompanied by music teacher Jean Hughes on the keyboard, sang several patriotic songs including Grand Old Flag, Proud to Be an American, and This Land is Your Land.

After parents and other guests applauded the students' presentation, Superintendent Steven Forte congratulated them as well. "This was amazing.  I am so proud of you," he said. 

Forte, who initiated student presentations at board meetings, told the students "this is the best part of our day."

Forte's praise was echoed by several board members, including board president John Quattrocchi and vice president Joseph Bellino, a Vietnam veteran.

"It was absolutely great. I am so glad you gave recognition for all veterans," Bellino said.

Quattrocchi added, "You will learn about a few heroes in history books. There are thousands of other heroes right around you."

Technology Plans for the 21st Century
Bellino, the chairman of the finance committee, reported they had met earlier with Forte to discuss plans for "moving the district forward in technology."

Forte added the district would like to hire a technology manager to coordinate the district's educational technology needs, a program similar to what they did in buildings and grounds.

With the current school year finishing the five-year planning cycle, Forte hopes this new position will set Verona schools up for the next five years.

In addition to personnel, Bellino said the district will set aside money for technology hardware. Forte explained this will most likely be spent on a "set pattern of removing outdated computers."

Forte noted the high school media center, where the board meeting was held, is now wireless, an accomplishment that was achieved at a cost of less than $250.  "Sometimes waiting works out," Forte noted.

Other Business

• Building and Grounds Committee Chairperson Glenn Elliott reported the cost for the at  will cost approximately $75,000. This includes the actual remediation and reconstruction costs.  Funds will be allocated from the capital reserve. To save money, construction work will be done in-house and will begin during the summer vacation.
• After a new tracking system to determine high school graduation rates was implemented, Forte reported Verona had the highest rate in the county at 99.35%. 
• Forte said there is still time to register for to be offered this summer at. Adults will be allowed to register for the cooking couse. The other two courses offered are a Vietnam War history couse and a writing course. To register or find out more information, click here.

Upcoming Meetings

While the next regular scheduled board meeting is Tuesday, May 22, the board will hold a special meeting next Tuesday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. in which they discuss and set their annual goals and perform a self-evaluation performance review.  The board will hold a confidential meeting before the public meeting to evaluate the school superintendent.

On Monday, June 4 the board will hold a joint meeting with the Verona Town Council at 7 p.m in the. This will replace the board meeting scheduled for June 5.

Quattrocchi hopes to work with the town in making improvements to the fields at the school, especially the fields at the high school that are utilized by different sports organizations in Verona.