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Aldine Elementary, high school students recognized; public commenters praise programs and raise concerns about policing and substitute shortages
Summary
Principal Wriggy highlighted Aldine Elementary activities, a schoolwide math challenge and student recognitions; a student reported wide college acceptances and upcoming events. Public commenters praised district programming and raised concerns about policing near schools and a shortage of substitutes.
Mr. Wriggy, principal of Aldine Elementary School, reported that Aldine currently enrolls 281 students and summarized recent winter events — dances, movie nights, talent shows and assemblies — intended to build student connectedness. He credited the safety patrol and the character council for a coat drive and food drive and noted the school is applying to renew its National School of Character recognition.
On academics, Mr. Wriggy described a schoolwide math challenge that the principal said has had 100% student participation; he noted average weekly out‑of‑school practice of more than 45 minutes. He recognized STEAM Tank Challenge participants and several students whose work was displayed during Youth Art Month and in a county poster contest.
An unnamed student reporter summarized Roselle Park High School activity: a successful spring musical (Mamma Mia), winter and spring sports participation, completion of grade‑11 state testing and multilingual learner access testing, and about 96 college acceptances that included the University of Michigan, New York University, Northeastern, Purdue and Syracuse. The student also noted teen mental health first aid certifications earned by juniors and upcoming events including college signing day (May 1) and AP testing across 18 courses.
Public comments: Several community members praised district efforts. Joe Signarella Jr. thanked the district for an opioid‑awareness program that drew strong student engagement. Edward Gate complimented staff communications and asked for a process to dispute report cards; he also expressed concern that policing around local schools has been excessive and alleged selective enforcement. Constance Quintella — who spoke as a community member rather than in her board role — questioned why multiple board members abstained or recused themselves regarding a substitute teacher applicant and urged attention to substitute shortages. Frank Aguardo and Wendy Gillig offered praise for high school performances and PTO fundraising events.
Why it matters: The reports highlight student engagement, extracurricular success and college placement results that the district and community view as positive; public comments also flag operational concerns (substitute coverage, policing) the board may need to address.
