As we welcome the crisp air of October, I am thrilled to report that the UFRSD school year has started off exceptionally strongly. Walking through our hallways and classrooms over the past month, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible energy, focus and enthusiasm that define UFRSD.
A successful school year does not happen by accident, and I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the entire community for coming together to support our schools during this super important first month.
Our success is a shared achievement, and several groups deserve special recognition for making September a triumph. First, a huge thank you goes out to our phenomenal UFR PTA. Your tireless dedication, volunteer hours, joyful spirit and tasty lunches helped us launch the year on a high note. A huge thank you also goes to our UFREF for sharing your time and talent at our BTS Nights and for your ongoing support of instruction in our classrooms.
To our Newell Elementary School parents, I send a sincere thank you for your patience and support as we sifted through and refined our new arrival and dismissal procedures. Your cooperation ensured our students’ safety and helped move the line along! Finally, I am profoundly grateful to our staff. Thank you for working so hard to make every single student feel comfortable, welcomed and valued as they started new classes and met new teachers. We like to say, “Kids don’t care, until they know you care;” that care forms the bedrock of UFRSD.
Looking ahead into October, there is a tangible feeling of anticipation and joy in our schools. This excitement kicks off with Homecoming Week, Sept. 28-Oct. 3. This is a magical time of year when our entire community comes together to show our collective Redbird Pride. Whether you are attending the football game at 6 p.m. Oct. 2, enjoying the parade at 4 p.m. Oct. 2 or wearing your school colors, your presence strengthens the bond between our schools and the community we serve.
The excitement continues later in the month as we look toward the future of our oldest students. On Thursday, Oct. 22, Allentown High School will host its annual Open House for all prospective students. The event will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m., and we warmly invite all middle school parents and students to attend. This is a wonderful opportunity to tour our beautiful campus, meet our world-class educators and explore the robust academic, athletic and artistic programs that make Allentown High School extraordinary.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership, trust and Redbird Pride. Together, we are making this a year to remember.
Mark Guterl is the superintendent of the Upper Freehold Regional School District
