The Wreaths Across America caravan rumbled and roared into Thorne Middle School on Wednesday, accompanied by a police escort and welcomed by students, staff, the MTPS Administration, Board of Education Members, and local veterans from a multitude of United States military branches.

The caravan rolled down Murphy Road and into the campus' main driveway, where students lined the street with red, white and blue attire, and vigorously waved flags. Students chants of "U-S-A! U-S-A" eventually gave way to a somber performance of taps delivered by Thorne Middle School Band Director Domenick D'Angelo, and two of his talented trumpet players.

The audience was then invited inside Thorne Middle School for dance and musical performances, a presentation about the school's namesake Horace M. "Bud" Thorne - a Battle of Bulge war hero - and a recognition ceremony that honored all of our community veterans on hand.

In closing, the Thorne student government presented Wreaths Across America with a donation of more than $3,600 to support the organization's annual venture from its Maine headquarters to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. On National Wreaths Across America Day (Dec. 17), volunteers from the non-profit organization will lay ornamental wreaths at the headstones of our nation's veterans. Their mission is to remember, honor and teach. Our district was honored to help Wreaths Across America honor its mission. We commend the Thorne Middle School community for a job well done.

Watch the full event at the video link above, and check out some of the best photos from the day below.

Students, staff and families across the Middletown Township Public School District are embracing the holiday spirit by participating in festive lesson plans, band and choral performances, community craft fairs and so much more.

Earlier this week, bands and choruses at Nut Swamp, Thompson and High School South lit up their respective stages; Mrs. Horton's fourth grade students at New Monmouth Elementary School received a visit from Thompson Middle School's American Sign Language teacher Mary Pat Harrington (shown to the right), who taught the students how to sign holiday songs; and members of Bayview Elementary School's Heroes Cafe paid a visit to Middletown Township Mayor Tony Perry and Township Committee to spread some holiday cheer.

Check out some of the best photos of the week below.

New Monmouth Elementary School third graders brought historically significant figures and modern luminaries to life at their wax museum event. Students donned the attire and learned the mannerisms of their subjects before inviting peers and staff to pay them a visit.

The success of the event followed weeks of student research, not only to embody these prominent personalities, but to present their findings on beautifully crafted informational displays.

This sort of authentic learning opportunity is meant for students to make a tangible connection to their reading and research, which in turn promotes a deeper understanding of the content.

Congratulations to these students on a wonderful event!

Eighth grade students at Thompson Middle School in Mrs. Heather Engelken's social studies class transformed their understanding of the congressional bill adoption process into playable board games.

The project aimed to activate students' prior knowledge of childhood board games and combine it with newly acquired knowledge of legislation at the federal level.

The lesson also tapped into their creativity and design prowess to present an opportunity for the practical application of their connected knowledge bases.

We can't wait to give these games a try! Excellent work!

Congratulations are in order for Bayview Elementary School educator Ms. Taylor Andretta, who was recently recognized by Monmouth University’s School of Education for her excellence in teaching English as a second language.

Ms. Andretta’s work in the field has resulted in a new case study, which is in the process of being published in Applied Linguistics, one of the most revered peer-reviewed academic journals in the field of applied linguistics.

The journal was established in 1980 and is published by Oxford University Press.

Congratulations to Ms. Andretta on her well-deserved recognition, and thank you for all that you do to support our MTPS students.

This space is dedicated to the promotion of mental health resources in our schools and local community. Please refer to the district site for a comprehensive list of resources: Mental Health & Community Resources

In the midst of the holiday season, it can be easy to overlook all of the things that cause stress for children, teens and adults. The Child Mind Institute recommends some ideas to help make this time of year a little easier on everyone, including the following:

• Be open to change.
• Be realistic.
• Prep kids for changes in routine.
• Give yourself a break.
• Be sure to laugh.

For more helpful holiday tips you can review the Child Mind Institute article How to Make Holidays Kid-Friendly.

On Dec. 9, 1922, River Plaza Elementary School opened its doors to the community, welcoming students, families and neighbors inside for the first time to inspect the brand new, two-classroom schoolhouse constructed on the banks of the nearby Navesink River.

Earlier this week, members of the River Plaza school community gathered on campus once more to commemorate a century of educational excellence with the dedication of a bronze monument, and powerful words of recognition from River Plaza PFA President Susan Heffernan, Board of Education Members Barry Heffernan and President Frank Capone, District Administrators Mary Ellen Walker and Jessica Alfone, Middletown Township Mayor Tony Perry, and New Jersey Assembly People Gerrry Scharfenberger and Victoria Flynn.

United States Representative Chris Smith also honored River Plaza’s anniversary by presenting the school an American flag that was flown over the capitol building in Washington, D.C.

“Today, at River Plaza we refer to our school community as a family…What makes our school special is the choice that everyone in our community makes to treat one another as family. This includes students, staff and families all partnering and working together to make our school the best possible learning environment for all students. This is a choice that each of us gathered here today are asked to make each and every day. On our school’s 100th birthday, it’s a perfect time to rededicate our community’s choice to be a school family,” said River Plaza Principal David Whitman.

Congratulations to the River Plaza school community on its 100th birthday. We can’t wait to celebrate 200 years with you!

Click on the images to open enlarged PDF documents full of helpful safety tips regarding the Flu and carbon monoxide in the home.

On Friday, Dec. Harmony Elementary School partnered with the Deanna Bottone Memorial Scholarship Fund, Live Like De, to offer holiday assistance to families.

Deanna Bottone Rose was born and raised in Middletown and graduated from Middletown High School North in 1982. Her son, Ryan, was a 2013 High School North graduate. Even though her life was cut short in 2017 after 11 months of battling aggressive brain cancer, Deanna lived her 53 years with unbelievable energy and spirit. Her family has set up the Deanna Bottone Rose Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor her memory.

The fund awards scholarships to deserving local students and offers financial assistance and donations to local families in need. The family looks forward to helping more people in Deanna's name.

Live Like De was able to offer assistance to five Harmony School families this holiday season. Families were invited to Harmony on Dec. 2, when the foundation provided $500 to each family to help make their holidays special.

Representing the foundation were Deanna’s parents, Peggy and Anthony Bottone. Peggy taught in Middletown and spent many years teaching at Harmony School. Deanna’s sisters, Patricia and Lara, were also present.

This is the second year in a row that Live Like De has been able to assist Harmony families. For more information about the initiative please visit the Deanna Bottone Rose Memorial Scholarship Fund website.