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Bayonne School District highlights student competition wins and wins NJDOE LIFT early-literacy grant
Summary
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Degnan told the board the district saw strong results in spelling, STEM and chess competitions, will send 64 students to the county STEM showcase and has been awarded the NJDOE LIFT early-literacy grant to run home-based workshops with community partners.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Degnan told the Bayonne School District board the district’s elementary students have had a “very successful academic competition season,” highlighting winners and district programs.
Dr. Degnan identified Isaiah Cassie, a seventh grader at Horace Mann School, as the district spelling bee champion; Makashri Ciccarella (Walter F. Robinson School) placed second and Noah Johnson (Lincoln Community School) took third. He said district top finishers and school-level top spellers will advance to the Bayonne/Hudson County spelling bee on Feb. 7 at 8 a.m. at the Hudson County Schools of Technology.
Dr. Degnan also summarized Project Innovate results: 88 elementary students advanced from school-level competitions to the district round; a panel selected 45 elementary students to advance to the 60th annual Hudson County STEM showcase. He said those 45 students will be joined by 19 Bayonne High School students, for 64 total district representatives at the countywide event at Liberty Science Center on March 2. "Project Innovate is more than a competition. It is a meaningful learning experience that encourages students to think critically," Dr. Degnan said.
The assistant superintendent reported the district’s chess tournament drew more than 150 participants, with Lincoln Community School winning both the overall and B-team championships. He said the district is preparing for an upcoming geography bee and will share results when available.
Dr. Degnan announced the district has been awarded the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) LIFT literacy initiative grant (LIFT), a competitive program designed to build home-based literacy habits for children from birth to age 3. He said the district will run workshops at community partners including the Bayonne Public Library, the Community Day Nursery and the Bayonne Youth Center.
On attendance, Dr. Degnan urged families to prioritize keeping students in school when they are healthy, saying daily presence supports instructional continuity and long-term success.
Why it matters: The competition results give students visibility and the chance to compete at county-level showcases; the LIFT grant funds early-literacy workshops intended to reach children before school entry and to partner with local community providers.
The board recessed the workshop and planned to continue with the regular meeting after a short break.
