Hazzett Middle School expands Unified Partners service‑learning program, students describe fundraising and campus activities

At a Hazlet Township Public School District Board of Education meeting, Hazzett Middle School staff and students presented an expanded Unified Partners (UP) service‑learning program that school leaders said now reaches all students through elective classes and campus activities.

The program presentation, introduced by Hazzett Middle School Principal Al Wizzio, emphasized that UP moved from a single gym class to an elective-based structure designed to let more students participate. Student counselor Miss Whaley said the program addresses students’ basic needs and builds inclusion, saying, “UP fulfills those needs for these kids.”

Nut graf: School staff described UP as a structured, elective program that pairs general‑education students with students in self‑contained or life‑skills classes for service learning, fundraising and on‑campus enterprises. Staff and students said the shift is intended to broaden participation and give students practical experience while supporting school and community needs.

Teachers who oversee the program said it now allows students from across academic levels to volunteer and contribute. Lizzie Casanti, a self‑contained teacher at the middle school, said the elective format has increased student demand to join: “I literally have kids knocking on my door every day. … It gives my students a chance to put themselves out there and do something for their community.” Casanti said students in her class helped raise $800 for a local woman “who is facing her fourth round of treatment.”

Staff also described campus activities tied to UP. Casanti said the program operates a student‑run coffee shop two days a week and has pursued fundraising through shirt sales, a treat trolley, popcorn sales and a clothing drive. Another presenter said staff have implemented small‑scale transition programs modeled on a Sayreville program for ages 18–21, and encouraged board members and attendees to view storyboards on display describing program activities.

School staff named several team members who support UP, including Miss Whaley (student counselor), self‑contained teachers Lizzie Casanti and Miss Friedman, and paraprofessionals and support staff identified in the presentation. Students Nicole Ortiz and Lauren Markleberry also spoke briefly about their participation and the program’s impact on their school experience.

Presenters said UP’s expansion aims to provide social, academic and vocational experiences and to normalize inclusion. Organizers highlighted both classroom and extracurricular outlets — including elective cycles, in‑house fundraising and community partnerships — and encouraged parents and board members to ask questions after the presentation.

Ending: Board members and the audience applauded the presentation. Staff displayed program storyboards at the back of the meeting and invited follow‑up questions and contacts for members of the public who wanted more information.