Piscataway board spotlights student achievements and district wellness progress

The Piscataway Township School District Board of Education opened its May 11 meeting with extended student recognitions, a middle-school mock-trial presentation and a district wellness update that administrators said demonstrates continuing alignment with nutrition and physical-activity goals.

Athletic Director Mr. Harmer recognized two winter-sport athletes — including a female wrestler credited with helping grow the district’s girls' wrestling program — and singled out senior wrestler Sean for placing in regional and state competition. "Because of her, we went from just a handful of girls. We have 19 girls this year," Mr. Harmer said, citing growth in female participation.

Kakim Middle School Principal Dr. Matthew Richie introduced a mock-trial unit led by teacher Mr. Sean Demer. Students acting as defense attorneys, prosecutors, witnesses and jurors described a multi-day project that teaches courtroom procedure and civic responsibility. Student presenters said the project deepened their understanding of evidence, objections and the role of the jury.

During public comment, a senior who identified themself as J. read an original poem recalling school memories and urging classmates to mark graduation confidently. "Don't be afraid to be loud because this is our last," the student said during the public-comment period; board members thanked the student and said they would review graduation-speech procedures.

Dr. Laura, the district supervisor of health services and wellness-policy coordinator, presented the district’s 2025–26 annual wellness report for Policy 8505. She reported that schools continue to demonstrate strong alignment with district goals across four priority areas: nutrition promotion, nutrition education, physical activity and nutrition guidelines. Dr. Laura said the district provides expanded meal options — vegetarian, halal, vegan and gluten-free selections — and noted the district initiative to provide free breakfast to all students in partnership with its food-service vendor, Nashios. She also highlighted participation in the New Jersey Farm to School procurement initiative to source locally produced food.

Superintendent Glover and board members applauded students who received competitive placements — including a student accepted to the Governor’s School of the Sciences and selections for national-level youth research programs and essay contests — and thanked teachers, staff and volunteers for supporting student success.

The board said it will consult the board attorney and review Policy 5460 (commencement activities) to ensure graduation speeches comply with board rules and that any student remarks are vetted in advance.

What’s next: administrators will follow up with documentation on wellness initiatives and bring any required personnel paperwork and policy clarifications to the next board meeting.