Somerville Public Schools
May 2026 News
From the Superintendent JR Lubisco
Dear Somerville Family,
🌸Spring Reflection & Continued Momentum
As we approach the end of the school year, 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.
🌱 Climate and Culture: Your Voice Matters
Somerville Public Schools has officially launched the second administration of the New Jersey School Climate Improvement (NJSCI) Survey as part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening school culture, connectedness, and student belonging across the district.
Developed through Rutgers University and the New Jersey Department of Education, the survey provides students, staff, and families with an opportunity to share honest feedback about their experiences in our schools. The data collected helps us better understand what is working well and where we can continue to grow as a district community.
The survey is closing today for parents and caregivers. Families should have received information regarding survey access, and we strongly encourage participation. Your feedback plays an important role in shaping our district's ongoing improvement efforts.
🎯 2026-2027 School Budget
At the April 28 Board of Education meeting, the Board formally approved the final budget for the 2026–2027 school year.
Despite continued financial pressures, particularly rising healthcare costs, the adopted budget reflects an increase in state aid and maintains the district's strong fiscal stability while continuing to support key educational priorities for our students and schools.
We appreciate the thoughtful work of our administration and Board of Education throughout the budget development process and remain committed to responsible financial planning that supports student success.
Work related to our approved referendum continues to move forward, and we encourage families and community members to stay connected throughout the process.
Our referendum webpage will continue to serve as the central hub for updates, including project timelines, construction progress, photos, and other important information related to the work taking place across the district.
We encourage the community to check the website regularly as we continue this important investment in Somerville Public Schools.
🏅 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:
Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram
Looking forward to more great weeks ahead!
Warm regards,
Superintendent
Fostering Strong Community Partnerships
Our district remains committed to fostering strong community partnerships through our recent VDV Parent Academy sessions. In April, we hosted targeted workshops designed to empower families with practical strategies for supporting student learning at home. Our preschool session focused on the foundations of oral language and literacy, highlighting how storytelling and sound recognition prepare our youngest learners for reading success. Additionally, our K-5 session explored the development of mathematical number sense, offering parents engaging activities to bring math concepts to life outside the classroom. By bridging the gap between school curriculum and home exploration, we continue to build a collaborative foundation for every student's academic growth.
Summer Programming
Summer STEAM Program - 2 week project-based program. July 6-16, 2026 at VDV from 8:30 a.m to 11:30 a.m.
Who can attend: Rising Grades 1-6 and MLs in Rising Grades 1-12
Summer Instrumental Music Program - For Students Rising to Grades 5-12
Dates: July 6-July 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Click here for registration form.
Parent Advisory Committee & Latino Families Advisory Board Meeting
On Monday, April 20, the Parent Advisory Committee, in partnership with the Latino Families Advisory Board, hosted its Spring meeting. Dr. Scrozynski delivered an informative presentation on the typical development and needs of school-aged children, and Dan Fenco provided translation to ensure accessibility for all attendees. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to the discussion, and we look forward to continued collaboration at our upcoming meetings.
Summer Robotics Program: Design. Build. Code. - For Students Rising to Grades 7-9
Dates: July 6-9 (4-day program). Register here
Family Tech Corner
Considering a Smartphone for your Child?
Read this first!
https://www.screensense.org/blog/considering-a-smartphone-for-your-child-read-this-first
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.
Somerville SEPAG Parent Discussion Meeting - Tuesday, May 12th at 7 PM. Email for meeting link somervillenjsepag.com
Join Somerville SEPAG's Annual Friendship Day - May 30th from 12:00 - 2:00 PM at the VDV Preschool Playground. All families of students receiving special education and related services are welcome!
May is Williams Syndrome Awareness Month
Somerville is Hiring! Vacancies include: Special Education Teacher, STEM (K-5), Choral Music, Supervisor of Early Childhood Ed., Supervisor of Mathematics/Math Teacher, Leave replacement positions (3rd grade, Spanish, Preschool), Part-time Instructional Assistants, Lunch Aides
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.
You can also register online and there is an option to donate.
SBU Football & Cheer Open House - June 1st from 6-8 PM at Somerville High School
Board of Education Meetings
- June 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM at SHS
- August 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM
- September 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM
- October 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM
- November 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM
- December 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM at SHS
- January 5, 2027 at 6:00 PM
All Board of Education meetings are livestreamed
Visit the Athletic Hall of Fame Website to make a nomination, attend an event, and check out the inductees!
