Superintendent highlights curriculum, wellness and ASL students' Seal of Biliteracy success

Superintendent Dr. Zircher told the South River Board of Education on Feb. 27, 2025 about several district curriculum and student-activity initiatives, and a board member reported American Sign Language (ASL) seniors’ results on the Seal of Biliteracy exam.

Dr. Zircher reviewed early learning and primary school activities tied to the district’s Tools of the Mind curriculum, and described upcoming events: Read Across America week, a curriculum fair on May 22 that will use the Early Learning Center to host a wellness and community-resources section, and a districtwide day of service planned for early June in which every student will participate in a service project. The superintendent also said the district will replace its star lab activity at the curriculum fair with a new, later-to-be-announced activity, and noted ongoing curriculum revisions to align courses with New Jersey Department of Education standards.

The superintendent referenced New Jersey statute 18A:35-4.43, which requires school districts to include instruction on the contributions of African Americans; Dr. Zircher said district classrooms used targeted lessons, morning announcements and visual displays to observe Black History Month.

Separately, a board member relayed results provided by the ASL teacher (identified in the meeting as Miss Rock): 10 high-school seniors in level 4 American Sign Language took the Seal of Biliteracy assessment. Of those 10 students, nine scored 4 out of 5, and one student, identified as Emily Luz, scored a perfect 5 out of 5. The speaker noted that many students had no prior knowledge of ASL before enrolling and that the growth in enrollment in the ASL sequence demonstrates increased student interest.

Instruction committee notes presented at the meeting said the high school recommended course placements for the 2025–26 school year have been circulated and that elementary and primary schools are piloting two literacy programs; teacher collaboration will guide the selection of a literacy program for possible adoption next year. The committee summary also listed approvals for professional development, travel, field trips, out-of-district student placements and acceptance of a donation of garbage cans for the high school percussion ensemble.

Clarifying details: the curriculum fair is scheduled for May 22 (year 2025), Read Across America activities were described as occurring the week following the meeting, and the district’s day of service is planned for early June (specific date not specified). The Seal of Biliteracy results referenced 10 test-takers with the breakdown above; the transcript did not specify assessment vendor details or any monetary awards.

The items Dr. Zircher reported were accepted as part of the superintendent’s monthly report and were included in the consent resolution later approved by the board.