March Somerville Public Schools News

From the Superintendent JR Lubisco

Dear Somerville Family,

🌸 Spring Reflection & Continued Momentum

As we approach spring recess, it is a great opportunity to pause and recognize the continued progress across our schools. I am grateful for the dedication of our staff, the partnership of our families, and the ongoing efforts of our students as we move forward with our shared goals.

Our focus remains on academic achievement, strong Tier 1 instruction, and fostering a positive school climate and culture. These priorities continue to guide our work each day. I hope everyone has the opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy meaningful time with family, and we look forward to a strong finish to the school year together.

🗓️ 2026-2027 School Calendar

At the March Board meeting, the school calendar was approved. In developing the calendar, we strive to thoughtfully balance the needs of our students and staff with those of the broader community, ensuring a schedule that supports both learning and family planning.

🎯 2026-2027 School Budget

The Board also approved the tentative budget for the 2026–2027 school year, which will now be submitted to the Executive County Superintendent for review in accordance with state requirements.

While the district continues to face challenges related to rising costs—particularly in healthcare—the budget reflects a positive shift in state aid and supports key priorities while maintaining strong fiscal stability.

A public hearing and final adoption are scheduled for our April meeting, when a more detailed presentation will be shared with the community.

🌐 The First Referendum Project

The initial bid for our referendum has been approved, marking the start of this transformative journey. Renovations and modifications to the Science Rooms and the SHS Auditorium represent the core focus of this first phase.

We are excited to see these projects move from plan to reality and will continue to keep our community informed every step of the way.

👋 Leadership Update at Somerville High School

We are writing to share that Mr. Ryan Ure, Supervisor of Counseling at Somerville High School, will be leaving the district after twelve years of dedicated service.

We are grateful for his contributions and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

In the interim, Mr. John Perillo will join the SHS administrative team as Supervisor of Counseling through the remainder of the school year. He brings over 30 years of experience in education, including leadership roles as a supervisor, assistant principal, and principal. Mr. Perillo will officially begin following spring break, ensuring continuity of support for students and staff.

🏅 Stay Updated
Check out our website for the latest on school events and programs. You can also find our sports schedules and follow us on social media for real-time updates:

Looking forward to more great weeks ahead!

Warm regards,
Gary Lubisco, Jr.
Superintendent

Investing in Excellence: Professional Development Day Recap

On February 13th, our educators were immersed in learning and refining their craft. The day focused on MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) and Data-Based Decision Making, empowering staff to use student data to drive more intentional, personalized instruction.

Highlights from the day included:

Targeted Workshops: Staff chose from over 30 sessions, ranging from AI and tech integration (like NotebookLM) to specialized strategies for literacy centers, ML modifications, and IEP goal-writing.
Specialist Immersion: Our Art teachers collaborated at the Princeton University Art Museum, while Music teachers worked with a percussionist from Young Audiences, and Choral teachers visited Montgomery High School where they were able to observe and exchange ideas.
Movement & Wellness: PE teachers trained with Physical Edge, and many staff explored workshops on student mental health and professional communication.

When teachers grow, students thrive. By dedicating this time to data analysis, specialized training, and collaborative exchange, we ensure that Somerville remains a place where "best practices" are always evolving. We are excited to bring these fresh perspectives back to our students!

SHS Visual Arts

Whether rendered in Sharpie, molded in clay, or digitally envisioned, every piece in this collection began as a simple idea.

We are proud to display various works from our Somerville students, highlighting the breadth of their imagination and their mastery of diverse artistic tools.

Below are several of the works currently on display on the Board of Education conference room walls this month.

NJECC 40th Annual Conference

Somerville Public Schools was proudly represented at the NJECC 40th Annual Conference, where several Somerville High School educators shared their work with colleagues from across the state. Their sessions highlighted how Somerville is leading the way in safe, responsible, and ethical AI use to enhance teaching and learning while fostering creativity, collaboration, and student voice.

Family Tech Corner

Securly

Did you know our district provides an app that allows you to view your child's internet activity from their school-issued device?

Click here for more information.

Free or Reduced School Meals

Families can apply for Free or Reduced School Meals at any time during the school year. To view the income eligibility charts, please visit our newly updated webpage and click "Who can get free or reduced price meals?" to expand the charts.

If your child is already receiving free/reduced meals, no action is needed at this time.

If your child is not currently receiving free/reduced meals and you wish to apply you can...

Submit via the Realtime Parent Portal
Submit a hard copy application, which can be printed off our website or obtained at any school building or the Board of Education office.

Click below for the latest Referendum Updates

Referendum Updates

Referendum Website Page

Disability Awareness Resources

Please click the button below to access a collection of disability awareness resources. These materials provide helpful information, tools, and guidance to support greater understanding, inclusion, and accessibility within our community.

Resources

The Somerville Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG)

The Somerville Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) is a parent-led, district-level advisory group that provides input and recommendations to the Somerville Public Schools regarding systemic issues related to special education programs and services.

The SEPAG is open to all parents and caregivers in the Somerville School District, including parents of students with disabilities, parents who have concerns about their child's learning or development, and parents who wish to learn more about special education and related services from early intervention through high school.

The SEPAG focuses on district-wide practices and programs. In accordance with New Jersey regulations, the SEPAG does not discuss individual student cases or confidential student matters.

The SEPAG works collaboratively with CST and district administration to identify trends, share parent perspectives, and support continuous improvement in special education services across all Somerville schools, including Van Derveer Elementary School, Somerville Middle School, Somerville High School, and out-of-district placements.

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and April 2 is Autism Acceptance Day.

Somerville SEPAG Parent Discussion Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 14th at 7:00 p.m.

Email for meeting link: somervillenjsepag@gmail.com

World Autism Awareness Day is April 2nd

Somerset County School Boards Association Celebrates SHS Senior Emma Beckwith as "Unsung Hero" Recipient!

Somerville Public Schools
March 4, 2026

SOMERVILLE SCHOOL BOARD ANNOUNCES THE STUDENT UNSUNG HERO AWARD RECIPIENT

SOMERVILLE, March 3, 2026 — On March 2, 2026, the Somerset County School Boards Association selected Emma Beckwith, of Somerville High School as "Unsung Hero" during the County Association awards celebration event on March 2, 2026.

The Unsung Hero Award is given out annually by a County School Board Association in coordination with the New Jersey School Boards Association. The award recognizes students who make outstanding contributions to their schools and communities, even though they are often overlooked under traditional student recognition guidelines. Unsung Heroes can be students who make their school a better place because of their warm personalities, empathy, and concern for others. They tend not to let obstacles stop them. About eighty people turned out at the event to recognize their achievements and contributions.

Gerard Foley, Principal of Somerville High School, Ryan Ure, Supervisor of Guidance at Somerville High School and Denise Van Horn, Board of Education Member, attended the event to recognize Emma Beckwith.

Emma Beckwith is being acknowledged for the strength of her character and her ability to inspire others. Most notably her fellow students as well as the school staff.

"One of Emma's most admirable qualities is her resilience in the face of challenges" said Mr. Ryan Ure, Supervisor of Counseling at Somerville High School.

24th Annual SHS Athletic Hall of Fame Golf Outing

Dreaming of warmer days?? Please join us!

WHAT: 24th Annual SHS Athletic Hall of Fame Golf Outing

WHY: To support Somerville athletes, programs, scholarships and facility improvements; raising over $2 million over the past 30 years.

WHEN: June 15, 2026

WHERE: Raritan Valley Country Club

HONORING: SHS Hall of Fame member and long-time SHS supporter, Jeff Vanderbeek. Jeff is responsible for spear heading the renovations at the SHS football complex named after his father, Gus. Jeff was also successful in turning around the SHS football program.

Please see the attached flyer for our annual golf outing. It would be greatly appreciated if you shared it with others. There are two pages.

You can also register online and there is an option to donate.
Register / Donate Here