Milltown Teacher and Educational Services Professional honored

The pride of the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District was honored at the Staff Recognition Reception on Tuesday, May 2.

The highly popular ceremony, which drew over 150 administrators, board of education members, staff and teachers as well as families from the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District, was held at the Somerville Elks Lodge.

The event was held to honor the 2022-2023 Governor’s Teachers of the Year and the Governor’s Educational Services Professionals for all 11 schools in the school district.

A total of 22 staffers—two from each school–were honored for their achievements and passion as members of the school district.

The ceremony was funded by the Bridgewater-Raritan Education Association (BREA) and was held for the first time at the Elks Lodge after the previous ceremonies were performed at Bridgewater-Raritan High School cafeteria.

Superintendent Bob Beers opened the festivities with his usual upbeat remarks.

“It is our great pleasure to honor the dedication to your craft that you do every day,” Superintendent Beers announced. “Thank you for the dedication and impact that you have on our children.”

He continued.

“Teaching is a lifestyle and you do need the support of your family. We thank your families for that support.”

Laura Kress, the President of the Bridgewater-Raritan Education Association, followed Superintendent Beers to greet the award winners and the audience.

“This ceremony is our (BREA) most pleasurable event,” Ms. Kress revealed. “Thank you to Suzanne (Klos) for putting this on.”

Ms. Klos’ title is Executive Secretary to the Superintendent but she is arguably one of the school district’s most valuable staff members.

She coordinated the ceremony and the new venue for the 2023 reception was well received by all.

Ms. Kress, a Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School Teacher, praised her peers.

“I look at our primary school teachers and what a miracle that they do to teach our kids to read. It is amazing and we teach more than the curriculum. We teach how to forgive and how to have compassion. Life’s lessons help us all grow,” she explained. “We learn from our students and you all play a key role.”

Ms. Kress added:

“You all are the best of the best.”

Each of the 11 school principals introduced their Teacher of the Year and their Educational Services Professionals of the Year.

Members of the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District Board of Education assisted with the presentation of gifts to the recipients.

 Principal Matt Lembo of the Milltown Primary School could not attend the affair but he was substituted at the podium by Dr. Dan Fonder, the Assistant Superintendent for Personnel, who introduced the two recipients from that school.

Here are the profiles of the Milltown Primary School Teacher of the Year, Danielle Caulfield, and the Educational Services Professional of the Year, Theresa Torraca-Sheats.

Danielle Caulfield

Milltown Primary School
Grade 1 Teacher

 Mrs. Danielle Caulfield is a Bridgewater resident who also went through the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District.  She is involved in school activities, providing leadership and unity through her work with the Sunshine Committee.  Danielle started substitute teaching in the District while she was attending Bloomsburg University working towards a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.  In February 2004, she was hired as a Kindergarten leave replacement teacher at Van Holten Primary School.  She was then hired for a tenure track position for September 2004.  Danielle began working as a 2nd grade teacher at Milltown Primary School upon its opening in 2005. Danielle has taught Kindergarten, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 1st grade.  She later went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Literacy and Reading.

Danielle is selfless, a master at differentiating, and has patience to spare.  She teaches all children as if they are her own, never hesitating, never complaining, always determined to help them reach their potential.

Danielle states, “Like many educators I know, I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was a young girl.  There was no question about what I wanted to study in college.  I have had great teachers and mentors that have inspired me to be a teacher and I am extremely grateful.  I remember one year in college we had to write a letter to a teacher that left a lasting impact on us.  I wrote to my 8th grade science teacher.  I felt this assignment was such a meaningful way to thank an educator that made a difference and I hoped that in my future I could affect my students that same way.   I feel honored to accept this special recognition.  I feel so blessed to work with amazing colleagues that have helped me grow professionally.  The students I have had the chance to work with over the years have made me who I am today in the classroom.  Their hugs, kind words, gestures, and growth make me love my job even more.”

Mrs. Caulfield is an instructional leader who has grown to embrace this side of herself.  Our school and district are forever “better” thanks to her presence!

 

Theresa Torraca-Sheats

Milltown Primary School
Special Education Teaching Assistant

 Mrs. Theresa Torraca-Sheats has been a part of the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District for over ten years.  She began her career as a substitute Secretary and Special Education Assistant, having the opportunity to experience all the schools in the District.  She became a permanent Special Education Assistant in 2013, beginning at the Middle School and finally coming to Milltown Primary School.  Theresa has also been serving as the Lead Care Provider for BRCAREs at Milltown.

Theresa is always willing to reinvent herself to meet the needs of her assignment.  That has looked different each year she has been at Milltown and her commitment has been unwavering regardless of the assignment.  She has maroon and gold coursing through her veins, always looking to support the children and faculty with any initiative happening at our school.  This year she turned our hallways into a chocolate factory and did so on her own time and by rallying our staff around her.  She also assumed a leadership role with our Book Fair and engages our children in aftercare in helping to decorate our school.

In her own words, Theresa has stated, “It has been an honor being nominated and winning the ESP award. I find working here both challenging and self-rewarding at the same time. I enjoy watching the kids grow, knowing that I am a part of that growth. Seeing their faces and watching them light up as you are teaching them many new things is the reward. I try to inspire others around me by taking on challenging projects. These projects allow for the staff to be creative and have fun with their students. I don't approach this as only a job, but as a learning experience for myself as well. Many times I feel I am learning and growing as a person. Working with children who have disabilities both physically and academically has allowed me to appreciate the smaller things in life. I am humbled.  Working alongside some of the best teachers and staff has been inspiring.”

Mrs. Torraca-Sheats is truly all about the children - she loves them and they know it, and our entire school benefits from her dedication and creativity!

Here are our award winners from each of the 11 schools in the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District. Their teaching/staff position is listed after their name.

GOVERNOR’S EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR 2022-2023

ADAMSVILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Meghan De La Rosa, English as a Second Language

 

BRADLEY GARDENS PRIMARY SCHOOL

Kathryn Kaye, Special Education Teacher

 

CRIM PRIMARY SCHOOL

Abigail Goldstein, Grade 2 Teacher

 

HAMILTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Tammy Miller, Grade 4 Teacher

 

JOHN F. KENNEDY PRIMARY SCHOOL

Robert Cirino, Health and Physical Education Teacher

 

MILLTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL

Danielle Caulfied, Grade 1 Teacher

VAN HOLTEN PRIMARY SCHOOL

Matthew Swinsburg, Grade 3 Teacher

 

EISENHOWER INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Deborah Ronning, Grade 5 Teacher

 

HILLSIDE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Carmelina Geiger, Grade 5 Teacher

 

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Sarah Martin, English/Language Arts Teacher

 

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN HIGH SCHOOL

James Olivola, Teacher of Mathematics

 

GOVERNOR’S EDUCATIONAL SERVICES PROFESSIONAL AWARD FOR 2022-2023

ADAMSVILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Maryellen Filep, Learning Disabilities Teaching Consultant

 

BRADLEY GARDENS PRIMARY SCHOOL

Katherine Rayburn, Media Specialist

 

CRIM PRIMARY SCHOOL

Gretchen English, School Nurse

 

HAMILTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Sharon Fargo, Speech Language Specialist

 

JOHN F. KENNEDY PRIMARY SCHOOL

Linda O’Brien, Intervention Specialist

 

MILLTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL

Theresa Torraca-Sheats, Instructional Specialist

 

VAN HOLTEN PRIMARY SCHOOL

Shawn Danus, Intervention Specialist

 

EISENHOWER INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Alice Piscadlo, School Counselor

 

HILLSIDE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Kinjal Barad, Instructional Assistant

 

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Kelley Beahan, Learning Disabilities Teaching Consultant

 

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN HIGH SCHOOL

Erin Lowman, School Psychologist

Below is a link that contains the Staff Recognition Reception program, which includes the bios on all 22 award winners, 

2022-2023 Staff Recognition Award Booklet