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Students from Frank J. Dugan Elementary showcase monthly social skills group; PTO outlines year of community programming
Summary
Frank J. Dugan Elementary staff and students described a monthly social skills group for upper-grade LLD students that mixes grades and uses mentor texts, hands-on activities and speech-language supports to build communication and social confidence. The Dugan PTO also presented its 2025–26 accomplishments and fundraising priorities.
At the Marlboro Township Board of Education meeting, staff and students from Frank J. Dugan Elementary highlighted a monthly social skills program designed for upper-grade LLD (language-based learning disability) students to teach communication, perspective-taking and collaboration in mixed-grade groups.
Mr. Pagliaro introduced Dugan staff members and specialists supporting the program — special educators, speech-language pathologists and instruction assistants — and credited Director Mary Elizabeth Sturchio and the Special Services supervisor for supporting the work. Staff described the structure: each session centers on a mentor text tied to a social-emotional theme, a structured hands-on activity, guided discussion and a shared snack. Students rotate in mixed groups across grades three through five to broaden peer interactions.
Students briefly described what they learned — listening, turn-taking, using kind words and feeling included — and staff reported observed gains including increased cross-grade interactions, more willingness to take social risks, and improved participation and confidence. A short video showing the sessions drew applause from the audience, and participating students were called forward to receive certificates.
Following the student presentation, Danielle Palumbo, Dugan PTO president, summarized the PTO's year: community-building events (playdates, talent shows, science fair), expanded student yearbook production, fundraising efforts that supported staff and student experiences, outreach giving (including donations to Memorial Sloan Kettering) and plans for a more than 40-foot mural and end-of-year celebrations for fifth graders.
Board members and community members applauded the students and staff. The presentation was positioned by district leaders as tightly aligned with the board's stated goal of supporting the 'whole child' by strengthening social-emotional learning alongside academic instruction.
