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John Adams principal highlights student programs, MAP goals and PBIS progress
Summary
Principal Lauren Finnegan showcased John Adams Elementary’s theme 'Every Jaguar counts, every connection matters,' described PLC and MAP targets, and staff presented programs including SOAR gifted services, an art fundraiser and a Jaguar Bucks PBIS initiative currently at 24,730 toward a 31,000 goal.
Lauren Finnegan, the newly named principal of John Adams Elementary School, told the North Brunswick Township Board of Education on Feb. 25 that the school’s theme this year is "Every Jaguar counts, every connection matters," and outlined three schoolwide goals: strengthen professional learning communities (PLCs), improve MAP language‑arts scores and grow student behavioral recognition through Jaguar Bucks.
"Every Jaguar counts, every connection matters," Finnegan said, explaining that the theme responds to survey feedback and is intended to increase belonging and family engagement as part of the building’s priorities.
Instructional leader Mrs. Cummings described the PLC reboot and how the school is using student work and assessment data to guide instruction. "What do we want our students to know and be able to do? How will we know students have learned it? What will we do if they do not learn it? And what will we do if they already know it?" she said, listing the four questions the PLC work will center on. Cummings said grades 1–4 began the year in about the fiftieth percentile on MAP and the goal is for each grade to increase scores by 5 percent by the spring window.
Mrs. Welch, the SOAR coordinator, presented gifted‑program work by fourth‑grade students who studied ecosystems and invasive species. She highlighted intellectual challenge, creativity, collaboration, emotional safety and teacher support as important areas for gifted learners and thanked the board for supporting SOAR services.
Music and arts staff showcased student work and extracurriculars. "The spirit committee is made up of fourth‑grade students who volunteer," vocal music teacher Ms. Kapusta said, noting the group of 55 students organizes monthly challenges and announces positive messages on the morning announcements. Art teacher Mrs. Familetti described an "Art to Remember" fundraiser that funded a family art night and an artist‑of‑the‑month display.
Instructional dean Mrs. Rudolph reviewed the district’s PBIS framework and Jaguar Bucks rewards. "At our pep rally we set a new school wide goal of earning 31,000 Jaguar Bucks. I'm happy to say that as of Friday, we have earned 24,730 Jaguar Bucks," she said, and described how classes track and celebrate weekly and monthly totals.
Board members praised the presentations and expressed support for the school’s emphasis on belonging, family engagement and targeted instructional supports. Finnegan said the school will continue to report progress to the board and keep families informed about upcoming events and initiatives.
