Morris Plains Celebrates Volunteers, Faculty, Students

The thanked the district's volunteers in a room full of parents, students, and faculty and staff Tuesday night in the Borough School auditorium.

The celebration, held two days before the last day of school, honored all of those who made this school year a success.

A highlight of the night was a $2,500 grant presented from to go to Borough School.

This is the first time the district has held this type of event.

"I think it was a good way to end the school year with a 'thank you' to everybody," District Superintendent Dr. Ernest Palestis said.

Before awards were announced, the check from the Morris Plains branch of Investors Savings Bank was presented by branch manager, Jessica Bellew. The money will go toward funding for the middle school science lab.

"We're so honored to be a part of the Morris Plains Community in helping the Morris Plains School District," Bellew said as she presented the check to the board members. "Good luck with the school lab program, and students, take full advantage of all the great things you'll be able to learn from it."

Throughout the night, several awards were presented, and students, parents, teachers, board and committee members were recognized for their efforts and dedication.

Teacher of the Year awards were presented to both Mountain Way and Borough School teachers.

Erin Kramer received the award for Mountain Way and accepted the award from principal Lindsay Nahm.

"One of the things about Erin Kramer that most of you will have benefited from and some of you may have not realized is that Erin not only runs, but actually authored and created our character education program," Nahm said before giving Kramer the award. "When I first met Ms. Kramer that was one of the things that stuck out to me; her heart, her teaching the kids of Morris Plains to be caring, considerate, kind, children."

Darlene Howell was the recipient of the Teacher of the Year award for Borough School, and principal Sean Dolan commended Howell for all of her efforts at the school, and described her as a "dedicated individual, always looking out for her colleagues."

"Being chosen as the Teacher of the Year is an amazing honor," Howell said upon accepting her award, "and it just adds to the memorable experiences I've had here at Borough School. The staff here is dedicated, talented, and compassionate, and I've learned so much from each and every person here that has made me a stronger teacher everyday."

Mountain Way teacher Jean Barletta is retiring after 33 years, and was recognized for her service and commitment to the school district for more than three decades.

"The Morris Plains Board of Education extends its most sincere thanks and appreciation to Jean Barletta for her years of outstanding service and dedication to the students, community and staff of the Morris Plains School District, and for filling so many hearts with the joy and excitement of learning," board president Lee Connor said as she read the resolution for Barletta's retirement.

One student was given the Middle School Leadership Award, and this year's recipient was 8th grader Daniel Jacobs.

"For the past three years Dan has been just a remarkable student here at Borough School in the three years that I have gotten to know him," Dolan said about Jacobs.

The Borough School Girls Spring Track Team was also honored on Tuesday night, as they were this year's county champions. The whole team was there and presented coach Monica Pecoraro with a gift.

Mayor Frank Druetzler and councilwomen Laurie Fu and Sue McCluskey were also in attendance on Tuesday night, and were among those who were honored.

Assemblyman Jay Webber was thanked for his help with legislative activities and initiatives, and Sal Cortese was acknowledged for his help with shared services.

Members of the Home and School Association were applauded for their efforts in bringing a new sign at Borough School, a sound system in the Borough auditorium, and a mandala tile project in school's hallway.

Drama Club volunteers Pam and Kevin Johnson were also recognized for their help with putting on the school musical. This is their 20th and final year at Borough School, as their youngest child of four is graduating 8th grade this week.

The Strategic Planning Committee chairs and members were all honored for their efforts in the strategic planning process, which is three-quarters of the way through. Over 60 members of the Morris Plains community have volunteered their time in helping plan for a new vision for the district.