Old Bridge architecture teacher showcases student work; district highlights state character recognition

The board meeting featured a presentation from the Old Bridge High School architectural design teacher and a district report on recognition for character education.

Susan Nazzat, who introduced herself to the board, described a three-level architectural design program that uses professional software (AutoCAD and Revit), includes a bridge-design unit and emphasizes field trips and client-based projects that simulate professional practice. “My name is Susan Nazzat. I’ve been here at Old Bridge for over 15 years,” she told the board, and walked members through student projects, class structure and the program’s use of industry-standard tools.

Junior Jack Machette, introduced as a student intern in the program, told the board the class is “very hands on” and recommended it to other students even if they do not intend to pursue architecture as a career: “It adds more than you think,” he said.

Separately, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Hoecker summarized state reviewers’ comments that cited the district’s implementation of 11 character-education principles and lauded the district for integrating social-emotional learning across grade levels. Dr. Hoecker told the board the district will be considered for national recognition later in the year and observed that the district has been pursuing this multi-year process for 15 years.

Board members and administration thanked teachers and students and noted the CTE program’s role in preparing students for technical careers as well as cultivating life skills such as spatial reasoning and teamwork. The board invited principals and program leaders to future meetings once national review steps are scheduled.