S POTLIGHT O N G OVERNMENT 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.

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Continued From Page 6 offers direct access to the Barnegat Bay. A sign posted on the premises details that canoe and kayak launches are possible following the acquisition of permits from the dockmasters. A charming gazebo, which replaced a dilapidated predecessor, now stands proudly on the premises and may be a great place for avid birdwatchers. A pond in the front entrance adds to the beauty of the property. Once the building is demolished, township authorities plan to add benches to provide a serene escape for those seeking tranquility in nature.

“My Administration remains committed to addressing the academic needs 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

Barnegat has an expansive community garden within Meadowedge. A basketball court is also available for public use.

Meadowedge is one of approximately 20 properties within Barnegat that were partially acquired with Green Acres funding.

One of the restrictions of the program is that the property must be open to all New Jersey residents.

“Green Acres has approved removal of the building,” said Lisella. “After we complete an environmental audit, we’ll be ready to move forward.” 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.

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

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One of those who remained behind said she did so for that very reason. She worried that she and her family would receive only a shortterm placement in a hotel and then be asked to vacate. There was comradery in staying within the community, even if it meant living in the woods.

Paul Hulse, CEO of Just Believe, said they brought out an oxygen tank and a wheelchair, provided by Social Service. They paid for storage units for some campers for three months. Collaborating with other nonprofits, some housing opportunities started to open up, he said. Additionally, three dogs and two cats were placed with help from Helping Assist with Melis pet connection.

Both Brigham and Hulse have said that Ocean County needs to establish a homeless shelter as a proactive measure to address the ongoing issue. Little said that he would be in favor of a shelter if it would help local people who are displaced.

No date has been set as far as the demolition and program relocation. group there.”

“The problem with shelters is that if it’s the only one in the area,” shared Little. “It’s going to draw people from other places. We’d then have people in our town that wouldn’t have been here before seeking services. We could get overwhelmed.”

Certain homeless individuals might choose to decline offers of shelter for various reasons. These concerns include worries about inadequate storage space for their belongings, difficulties in accommodating their pets, or resistance to abide by shelter rules.

Additionally, others may be dealing with mental illness, which could also influence their decision to forego accepting shelter assistance.

The chief confirmed that the township has no plans to forcibly remove those who have chosen to stay at the encampment. Instead, they are actively seeking a collaborative approach with their attorney to identify a solution for housing and secure the necessary funding. The authorities remain optimistic about finding a resolution that benefits those in need.

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.

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