Saddle Brook highlights new sensory rooms, pushes on chronic absenteeism and honors student achievements

At its recent meeting the Saddle Brook Board of Education heard a superintendent report outlining new student-support spaces and attendance interventions. Superintendent Mrs Vietti said Title funds paid for sensory rooms at Franklin and Smith schools and an interactive play area at Washington, and she described district steps to address chronic absenteeism.

Mrs Vietti told the board she ran an absence report in early December that flagged students with seven or more absences since September; she said the district sent about 90 letters to families informing them the students were on track to be labeled chronically absent. She reiterated the district rule that five tardies convert to one absence under board policy and described a partnership with a nonprofit attendance program (NJ4S) that meets weekly at lunch and currently serves about 10 students to help improve attendance and engage parents.

The sensory rooms, Mrs Vietti said, were built with Title funding and are already in use. She described equipment installed at Franklin and Smith — tactile walls, a Bluetooth-equipped orb chair, lighted bubble tubes, an interactive projector and sensory floor tiles — and an interactive Funtronic floor for the Washington preschool. "With our Title funds that we received this school year we were able to create these sensory rooms at Smith school and Franklin school," she said, adding staff report early, positive effects on students' focus and regulation.

The superintendent also reported curriculum milestones: this year 37 students earned the Seal of Biliteracy, up from 11 the prior year, and the district is continuing parent engagement around college and career supports (FAFSA sessions and instant-decision days hosted by visiting colleges). She said district leaders will continue monitoring absenteeism and sending letters to families of students at risk of chronic absence.

The board paused to recognize high-school students nominated as Exemplary Falcons. Teachers described nominees' accomplishments and contributions: Janna was praised for academic effort and leadership in art, Charles was recognized for community service and leadership, and Alexis was honored for founding the Culinary Club and serving as FBLA president. The board presented shirts and acknowledged their achievements.

No formal action was needed on the sensory rooms presentation; Mrs Vietti said the projects were complete or near completion and the district will continue tracking outcomes related to attendance, behavior and academic access.