Back to School—New Classes, New Projects, Whole New School Year

The district has implemented some new programs and completed building projects in preparation for the start of the 2011-2012 school year.

In a press release sent out by Superintendent of Schools Michael Schilder, he said that there will be several new programs beginning in the fall, including a new advanced placement computer science program and curriculum to be used at the , and new science and social studies programs at the .

In addition, the activity fee committee has already in the intermediate schools with the addition of a pay to play policy for parents. The clubs reinstated are school newspaper, drama, environmental club, student council, Marine Science Club at and the Roots and Shoots Club at .

And, according to new state laws Schilder said, the district’s has been updated to reflect new standards and the requirements for specialists to work on anti-bullying methods to teach to teachers and administrators.

Following contentious discussions, the district will also be implementing its , moving them to classes in , John F. Kennedy and primary schools so as to consolidate the locations and provide additional services for the students in need.

As for building projects that have been completed over the past few months, Schilder said solar panels were installed at Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School, Adamsville and , all funded through a county program. In addition, he said, energy efficient HVAC controls have been installed at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.

The phone system has also been updated at the on Newmans Lane, and at Hamilton Primary.

As for sports fields, Schilder said, there has been a partial paving of the Basilone Fieldhouse parking lot, all funded through student parking fees, and an as been installed and funded through the Bridgewater Soccer Association and Bridgewater Lacrosse.

A at the Bridgewater Township municipal complex, with a lease agreement that was recently signed between the district and the township.

The district, Schilder said, is also welcoming , who will serve as interim principal at the high school following the .

In other information from the district, Schilder also reminded residents that Bridgewater received an , and will be using $600,000 of that to lower taxes in the 2011-2012 school year, while the remaining $700,000 will be applied to the 2012-2013 budget.

Enrollment for the 2010-2011 year was 8,948, and projected enrollment for the 2011-2012 year is 8,809, as of Aug. 16.

And the costs of school lunches this year have increased to match state requirement, with lunches at the primary and intermediate schools costing $2.30; lunches at the middle school costing $2.45; and lunches at the high school costing $2.60.

The first day of school, Sept. 7, will be a half day. The breakdown for the day will be:

• Primary Schools: 8:35 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.
• AM Kindergarten: 8:35 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.
• PM Kindergarten: 10:45 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.
• Intermediate Schools: 9:05 a.m. to 1:25 p.m.
• Middle School: 7:35 a.m. to 11:58 a.m.
• High School: 7:20 a.m. to 12:02 p.m.

Lunches will not be served on that day.

*Bridgewater Patch is looking ahead to the start of the school year with several stories over the course of the week to get students, and parents, ready for the year to begin.
Friday—We cover what's new at the Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School this year.
Saturday—Former BRHS graduate Deanna Del Ciello gives her advice to freshmen entering college.
Sunday—The BRHS student newspaper editor in chief offers her tips for starting back at the high school.
Monday—We present the best tech and other items for your students. 
Tuesday—The township provides tips for staying green.
Wednesday—School begins today, and we'll be at bus stops, talking to kids as they board for that first day.
Thursday—We talk about anti-bullying techniques with the district.