R. L.

Mercer County

Sarah Salvadore

New York City Metropolitan Area

Princeton

New Jersey

West Windsor

Lawrenceville

Hopewell-Pennington

Middlesex County

South Brunswick

East Windsor

Somerset County

Alexis Tarrazi

Hillsborough

Bucks County

Dino Ciliberti

Philadelphia Metropolitan Area

Yardley

Pennsylvania

East Brunswick

Manville

Carly Baldwin

New Brunswick

West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South

<h1>Public Trust Cannot Thrive Where Questions Are Unwelcome</h1>
The strength of a public school district is measured not by test scores, press releases, or strategic plans. It is measured by the trust that exists between district leadership and the community it serves.
In West Windsor-Plainsboro, that trust is increasingly being tested.
For years, Superintendent David Aderhold and his administration have spoken about community engagement and stakeholder partnerships. Yet many parents, taxpayers, and residents who ask difficult questions have experienced something very different. There appears to be a growing divide between those who support district leadership and those who seek greater transparency, accountability, or explanation. The former are welcomed. The latter are often viewed as inconveniences.
True leadership is not demonstrated by surrounding oneself with supporters. It is demonstrated by engaging respectfully with critics. Public officials should not fear scrutiny. They should welcome it.
As residents, we have every right to ask questions about district spending, priorities, staffing decisions, capital projects, and the equitable treatment of students across our schools. These are not acts of hostility. They are acts of civic responsibility. The district belongs to the community, not the other way around.
Unfortunately, some interactions with district leadership leave the impression that challenging questions are neither appreciated nor encouraged.
In my own experience, an interaction with Assistant Superintendent Jessica Cincotta was both disappointing and unprofessional. Rather than engaging in a productive discussion, the conversation became dismissive and ultimately ended abruptly. Whether intentional or not, such conduct sends a message that disagreement is unwelcome and that those seeking answers should simply accept the district's position without further inquiry.
But perhaps the most troubling issue facing district leadership today is the question of trust.
Many community members continue to express concern regarding Superintendent Aderhold's decision to publish a book that was widely perceived as portraying a parent from this community in a negative light. Regardless of intent, the lasting effect has been significant. Public school leaders occupy positions of extraordinary influence, and with that influence comes a responsibility to foster confidence among the families they serve.
The concern extends beyond a single book or a single parent. It raises a broader question that many residents quietly ask themselves: If a parent speaks out, challenges district decisions, or becomes a vocal critic, what happens next? Will they be treated fairly? Will their concerns be heard? Could their advocacy affect how they or their children are perceived?
Whether those fears are justified is not the point. The fact that such concerns exist at all represents a failure of leadership. Effective leaders create an environment where parents feel comfortable speaking openly without fear of ridicule, retaliation, or dismissal.
Public trust is fragile. Once lost, it is difficult to rebuild.
The residents of West Windsor and Plainsboro deserve leaders who embrace transparency rather than resist it. They deserve administrators who answer difficult questions instead of avoiding them. They deserve a district culture where accountability is viewed as a responsibility, not a threat.
Most importantly, they deserve leadership that understands a simple principle: asking tough questions is not an attack on public education. It is one of the most important ways citizens protect it.
The measure of leadership is not how it responds to applause. It is how it responds when the community demands answers.

Local Event: Public Trust Cannot Thrive Where Questions are Unwelcome

Public Trust Cannot Thrive Where Questions are...

Public Trust Cannot Thrive Where Questions Are Unwelcome
The strength of a public school district is measured not by test...

Public Trust Cannot Thrive Where Questions are Unwelcome

The Jewish Center of Princeton

At S.E.A.L. Academy, we don’t just fill summer days—we transform them into powerful learning experiences. Our 6-week full-day camp (8:30 AM–4:00 PM, Mon–Fri) is designed to stop summer brain drain before it starts, while sparking a lifelong love for discovery. July 6- August 14th, 2026
Here’s what students experience every day:
📚 Morning Tutoring Sessions
Targeted academic support in math, reading, and writing to reinforce grade-level skills and prepare students for the upcoming school year. No summer slide here!
🔬 Afternoon STEAM Project-Based Learning
Hands-on, real-world challenges that build critical thinking and creativity, including:
<ul><li>Entrepreneurship – Create and pitch a business idea</li></ul>
- Chemistry &amp; Biology – Conduct exciting lab experiments
<ul><li>Engineering – Design and build prototypes</li></ul>
- Motion Picture Production – Write, film, and edit original videos
<ul><li>Virtual Field Trips – Experience science in action</li></ul>
- And much more!
Every project encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation—giving students the confidence to lead in the classroom and beyond.
We also offer:
✅ Limited Before &amp; after care for working families
2 D Animation Classes on Monday's during the Fall, Winter and Spring.
STEAM Saturday's during the Fall, Winter and Spring
Fun Sip &amp; Science Adult Classes we call The Boozy STEAM Lab
** Partial summer camp scholarships available
📞 Contact Mrs. D. Saunders at 609-557-7325 to discuss enrollment in S.E.A.L. Academy this summer. www.mobilemindsnj.org
Together, we can stop summer brain drain and launch future innovators! 🚀🧪🎥

Local Event: S.E.A.L. Academy S.T.E.A.M. Camp

S.E.A.L. Academy S.T.E.A.M. Camp

At S.E.A.L. Academy, we don’t just fill summer days—we transform them into powerful learning experiences. Our 6-week full-day...

Nassau Club

The Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS) announced on May 19 that Princeton University professor and historian, Dr. Michael A. Blaakman will deliver the first PBS Cadwalader Lecture of 2026 on June 18 at 6 PM at the Nassau Club.
Blaakman, a Cromwell Book Prize Winner, is a historian of revolutionary and early national America, and is the creative force behind the highly acclaimed University exhibition, “Nursery of Rebellion: Princeton and the American Revolution.”
Tickets to the lecture, which begins at 6 PM, are $50.
“We are very pleased to have a scholar of Michael’s magnitude kick off our Cadwalader Lectures in the SemiQuint year,” said PBS President Ben Strong. “We have an exciting roster of lectures for the year planned and Michael’s expertise on Princeton’s role in the Revolution will be a boon to all of us.”
Dr. Blaakman’s first book,Speculation Nation, received the Frederick Jackson Turner Award for best first book in American history from the Organization of American Historians as well as the William Nelson Cromwell Book Prize from the American Society for Legal History, and it was a finalist for the George Washington Prize. His dissertation was awarded the 2017 Manuscript Prize from the Society for Historians of the Early American Republic. 

The Cadwalader Lecture Series, hosted by the Princeton Battlefield Society, offers a compelling forum for the exploration of Revolutionary War history, with a special focus on the Battle of Princeton and the broader fight for American independence. The series brings together distinguished historians, authors, scholars, and preservationists to present original research, fresh perspectives, and in-depth discussions about the people, strategy, and legacy of the American Revolution.

Local Event: Cadwalader Lecture: “Nursery of Rebellion: Princeton and the American Revolution”

Cadwalader Lecture: “Nursery of Rebellion:...


The Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS) announced on May 19 that Princeton University professor and historian, Dr. Michael A....

Cadwalader Lecture: “Nursery of Rebellion: Princeton and the American Revolution”

Pacific Southern Railway

The Pacific Southern Railway Summer Train Show is back after our sold-out Holiday Train Show — and this year is bigger than ever!
Come explore our massive 5,000 sq ft HO-scale railroad, meet the members of our 60+ year-old nonprofit club, see detailed scenes and operations up close, and spend the day surrounded by fellow train enthusiasts. There’ll also be food, games, family activities, and more throughout the day.
James “Murr” Murray from Impractical Jokers (owner of the house that holds the layout) will be there hanging out with guests and supporting the club.
Best of all, the event helps support local fire and EMT organizations in our community.

Local Event: Pacific Southern Railway's Summer Train Show

Rocky Hill

Pacific Southern Railway's Summer Train Show

The Pacific Southern Railway Summer Train Show is back after our sold-out Holiday Train Show — and this year is bigger than...

Join theCoderSchool for Roblox Studio Game Lab Camp: Heroes vs. Villains EditionMonday - Friday: 9 AM&nbsp;- 3&nbsp;PMJune 29th - July 3rd
This summer, turn your child's love for Roblox into real game creation! 
Campers will step into the world of Roblox studio to design their own games and obstacle courses inspired by Heroes vs. Villains theme. Students will learn the fundamentals of Lua scripting, game logic, level design, and creative problem-solving while building projects from scratch.
Instead of just playing games, campers will become creators - bringing their ideas to life in an exciting, hands-on environment. 
Visit our website to learn more and enroll today!Montgomery:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thecoderschool.com/locations/montgomery/#camps" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Montgomery, NJ | theCoderSchool</a>&nbsp;North Brunswick: <a href="https://www.thecoderschool.com/locations/northbrunswick/#camps" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">North Brunswick, NJ | theCoderSchool</a>

Local Event: Roblox Studio Game Lab Camp: Heroes vs. Villains Edition Summer Camp

Roblox Studio Game Lab Camp: Heroes vs....

Join theCoderSchool for Roblox Studio Game Lab Camp: Heroes vs. Villains EditionMonday - Friday: 9 AM - 3 PMJune 29th - July...

Roblox Studio Game Lab Camp: Heroes vs. Villains Edition Summer Camp

Join theCoderSchool for Smart Cities Design Challenge: Coding, Engineering and 3D Printing
Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 3 PM
July 6th - July 10th
This summer, inspire your child to design the cities of the future! 
Campers will explore how technology, engineering, and creativity come together to shape modern cities. Through hands-on coding, design challenges, and 3D modeling, students will create innovative urban spaces complete with smart features and infrastructure. 
Using 3D printing, campers will turn their digital designs into physical creations while building skills in problem-solving, collaborations, and engineering thinking. 
Perfect for future engineers, designers, and creative thinkers. 
Visit our website to learn more and enroll today!
Montgomery: <a href="https://www.thecoderschool.com/locations/montgomery/#camps" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Montgomery Website | NJ Summer Camps</a>
North Brunswick:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thecoderschool.com/locations/northbrunswick/#camps" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">North Brunswick Website | NJ Summer Camps</a>

Local Event: Smart Cities Design Challenge Camp: Coding, Engineering and 3D Printing Summer Camp

Smart Cities Design Challenge Camp: Coding,...

Join theCoderSchool for Smart Cities Design Challenge: Coding, Engineering and 3D Printing
Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 3 PM
July...

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R. L., Neighbor

Posting Activity

Public Trust Cannot Thrive Where Questions are Unwelcome

S.E.A.L. Academy S.T.E.A.M. Camp

Cadwalader Lecture: “Nursery of Rebellion: Princeton and the American Revolution”

Pacific Southern Railway's Summer Train Show

Roblox Studio Game Lab Camp: Heroes vs. Villains Edition Summer Camp

Smart Cities Design Challenge Camp: Coding, Engineering and 3D Printing Summer Camp