Funding Available For Schools Helping Kids Struggling Due To Pandemic From The Desk Of The Governor

Phil Murphy

TRENTON – To further assist schools in promoting the academic recovery of New Jersey students to help close achievement gaps that were caused or exacerbated by disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Phil Murphy announced an additional $35 million in funding is being made available for learning acceleration through the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. In total, more than $50 million is being made available to accelerate learning in the 2023-2024 school year.

“My Administration remains committed to addressing the academic needs

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Continued From Page 1 for prescription coverage, for utility assistance...we do an assessment to see if they’re eligible for any state benefi t programs like food stamps and things like that,” she said.

Soto said that the center partners with a number of organizations such as Fulfill, which provides monthly food boxes to eligible seniors and are delivered to the recipients by Senior Services.

Over 2,000 Brick seniors seek these needbased services on an annual basis, Soto said. Some of those same people attend classes and recreational events, educational programs, social programs and nutrition programs at the center.

The new center will have space for exercise classes, including tai chi, yoga, strength training, aerobics and zumba. Attendance has been building since Covid, and the classes regularly have 15 to 40 people, Soto said. Plans call for an existing outdoor concrete pad to be converted into a patio with chairs, umbrellas and a community garden created by some of the seniors who have expressed an interest in planting vegetables and herbs. Even the kitchen will have a dual purpose, serving as a space for small group activities like the book club and writing club, Soto said.

Senior services has two buses to drive seniors to the center and also to shopping centers, of New Jersey students and providing them with the high-quality education they deserve,” said Governor Murphy. “This investment will pay dividends for our state by setting students up for success from a young age and ensuring they are prepared to grow and thrive throughout their educational journey and beyond.”

This funding is comprised of nearly $17 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funds and $35 million in ARP State Fiscal Recovery Funds (SFRF) allocated in the FY2024 State budget. This funding will be used to invest in evidence-based practices that will help strengthen learning acceleration in schools throughout the state. Grants must be used to accelerate learning by increasing educational time through before-school, after-school, and summer learning programs and/or by implementing other high-quality, evidence-based interventions and programs.

The Department of Education is prioritizing schools implementing high-impact tutoring, an intervention for learning acceleration with a strong evidence base, for third and fourth-grade students statewide.

School districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects are encouraged to submit applications to the Department of Education for a grant by responding to the Notice of Grant Opportunity by September 13, 2023.

Priority consideration will be given to applicants that demonstrate they will – through participation in the program – or already have obligated or expended ARP Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds toward learning acceleration beyond the 20 percent minimum allocation as a demonstration of ability and commitment to address learning loss and take full advantage of their COVID relief funding.

“Providing for the education of New Jersey’s students is of the utmost importance. Parents deserve to feel confident that their children are receiving the best education possible in our schools. We know the COVID-19 pandemic was disruptive to the learning experience of our students. That’s why we have made it a priority to equip schools with the resources necessary to support learning acceleration,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “This funding will make before-school and after-school programs, summer learning opportunities, and high-impact tutoring initiatives more accessible, helping students to recover missed opportunities and putting them on the path to academic success. Thank you to my colleagues in the Legislature and Governor Murphy for being partners in this work.” banks, medical appointments and more.

“There is always a need for transportation, it’s one of our largest demands,” Soto said. “Within Ocean County you’ll see that there is a very high demand for transportation because there really is no public transportation system.”

The design of the new center has new office space for the Senior Services staff which includes four, full-time outreach workers, a part-time social worker who does counseling for long-term care needs, a part-time outreach worker and two bus drivers. The center is looking to hire additional drivers, she said.

Soto said Senior Services has a lot of resources the staff can refer to, and their main goal is to pass that information along to seniors so they can obtain whatever services they require.

“We do a lot of advocacy. If they’re having difficulty applying for these programs, we will assist them. We fill out the applications. We make phone calls on their behalf if necessary. We take a look at what they are eligible for and then do the work to help them,” she said. “Our seniors are very grateful - we get a lot of thank you cards.”

The hours at the VFW were limited, so now that the Senior Center has its own space, Soto said she hopes to expand the hours and offer some activities after hours for those seniors and caregivers who are still working.

25 percent of Brick’s population are over 65 years old, and an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 use the center annually, Soto said.

“Learning acceleration is the key to bridging learning gaps and leveling the playing field for students,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education. “By embracing innovative strategies and tailored support, and by designing instruction to inspire high levels of student engagement and interest, we can create a transformative educational experience that equips our youth for success.”

“NJEA welcomes these additional funds and appreciates the governor’s emphasis on evidence-based strategies to accelerate student learning,” said New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) President Sean M. Spiller. “We look forward to working with the Department of Education to support educators in helping students overcome the challenges of the pandemic. New Jersey’s schools are the best in the nation because of the expertise that NJEA members bring to our schools and their dedication to their students, and because we have a governor who understands that educators need resources such as this funding for learning acceleration to enhance student success.”

Running Towards Better Vision

Exercising regularly is one of the best things we can do for our health. It increases our metabolism, helps our blood flow, and keeps our muscles strong. What can it do for our vision? Several studies over the last decade have shown that consistent physical activity can help prevent eye-related diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. Since those conditions are usually a byproduct of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, it makes sense that exercise would keep them in check. This is especially true with glaucoma as it is a result of excessive pressure on the eyes. Some research has shown that exercise can also help prolong eye health by delaying age-related vision loss.

Physical activity can also help people with diabetes keep it under control. That reduces the risk of complications, including diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of vision loss among working age adults. To schedule an eye exam, please call SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES at 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

P.S. Good cardio exercise increases the blood flow to the retina and optic nerve, keeping eyes healthy and vision strong.

Local Lifeguards Train With Coast Guard

BRICK –Township Lifeguards trained recently with the U.S. Coast Guard off of Brick Beach III. The training was meant to simulate a scenario where a distressed swimmer is transported via wave runner and brought to either the shore or the Coast Guard Vessel. This year, Brick Police Camp attended the training and learned about water safety.

33rd Annual SAL Pig Roast

BRICK – Sons of the American Legion Squadron 348 will hold their 33rd Annual Pig Roast from 1 to 6 p.m. on September 10 at the Brick American Legion Post 348.

Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased in the Post Canteen starting August 19 at 6 p.m. or $30 the day of at the gate. Children 13 to 20 years old are $10 and children under 13 are free.

Tickets include pig, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, homemade French fries, salads, corn on the cob, baked beans, watermelon, beer (21 and older), soda and water.

Come out for what is always a great event with this year featuring the live music of the band Undisputed!

2023 Business Brew – September

BRICK – Join the Brick Chamber of Commerce for their monthly Business Brew Breakfast on September 8 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Town Square, 1930 Route 88, Laurel Square Shopping Center.

Make new connections and grow your network while enjoying a delicious break- fast. Sponsorships are available for this Business Brew.

Reserve your sponsorship with your registration. The fee is $15 for members, $25 for guests. For more information, email info@ brickchamber.com.

To register, visit BrickChamber.com.

Brick Morning Rotary Weekly Breakfast Meeting

BRICK – The Rotary Club of Brick, will hold its weekly breakfast meeting on August 23. Their speaker will be Rotarian and Foundation Treasurer Gene-Ann Pesano.

Pesano will discuss their Brick Morning

Rotary annual dictionary project. The club meets each Wednesday morning at the Brick Diner at 7:30 a.m. and they welcome guests and prospective members for fellowship and breakfast.

Local Service Organizations Receive Donations

BRICK –Mayor Lisa Crate and the Township Council were recently honored to present representatives of local service organizations with donations to assist them in their efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of the

The donations come from funding the Township receives as part of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)–Public Services Program.

Brick PBA Local 230 2nd Annual Taste Of The Town

BRICK – The Brick PBA Local 230 will host its 2nd Annual Taste of the Town on September 15 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at American Legion Post 348, 822 Mantoloking Road. Enjoy a night of dinner, fine wine, craft spirits, and cigars. With entertainment by Charlie Kelly Live!

Admission is $100 per ticket and includes buffet style dinner, beverages, a cigar, andTshirt.

To purchase tickets, visit: Brick230. Eventbrite.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Must be 21or over to attend.

Entrepreneurs Of Faith

BRICK – Entrepreneurs of Faith serve to provide inspiration and empowerment needed for a successful, balanced life while pursuing the call of God in order to build genuine relationships within the business community.

They meet every second Friday of the month from 9 to 10 a.m. in the New Youth Room on the left side of the building of New Beginnings Church.

A light breakfast is served. To learn more and to register visit entrefaithful.com

KiteFest Set To Fly In September

BRICK – KiteFest will return from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 9 at Brick Beach III.

It will feature Sky Festival Productions who will be doing professional kite flying demonstrations, displays, kite sales, a candy drop, giant bubbles and a “Running of the Bols” event.

This fun free activity is for the whole family and is a professional kite flying event. Spectators will not be flying their own kites.

Church Of The Epiphany Italian Festival

BRICK – Join 107.1 The Boss at the Church of the Epiphany in Brick (615 Thiele Road) from 5 to 7 p.m. on August 17 for their annual Italian Festival! Enjoy exciting carnival rides, craft vendors, delicious funnel cake, live music, a beer and wine garden and your chance to win awesome 107.1 The Boss swag/prizes!

AUG. 28-30 3 DAY LAKE GEORGE & SARATOGA SPRINGS $659/pp Dbl.Occ.

Package Includes 2 nights lodging at the Hampton Inn & Suites, Lake George, Saratoga Race Museum, Step on Guided Tour, 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners, Tiki Show, Boat cruise on Lake George & more

SEPT. 4-7 4 DAY NEWPORT & BLOCK ISLAND

Includes 3 Nights Stay, Meals & More.

SEPT. 11-17 7 DAY MYRTLE BEACH $1399/pp. Dbl.Occ.

Includes 4 nights at Avista Ocean front Resort with your condo facing the beach and More

SEPT. 28 THE SPINNERS AT TROPICANA $107/pp

Includes $25 Slot Play, $15 Food Voucher and Show.

OCT. 1-3 3 DAY HAMPTONS RICH & FAMOUS TOUR

Includes 2 Nights Stay, Meals & More.

OCT. 16-20 5 DAY MAINE FALL FOLIAGE ADVENTURE

Includes 4 nights stay, 2 nights in Bar Harbor, Meals & More.

OCT. 25-27 3 DAY SALEM HAUNTED HAPPENINGS ADVENTURE

Includes 2 Nights Stay, Meals and Lizzie Borden House Tour.

NOV.1 MJ MUSICAL NYC

Includes Lunch & Orchestra Seat.